Lesson 520 of 1524
Special Relativity
The first postulate of special relativity is the idea that the laws of physics are the same and can be stated in their simplest form in all inertial frames of reference.
Practice this chapterThe first postulate of special relativity is the idea that the laws of physics are the same and can be stated in their simplest form in all inertial frames of reference. The second postulate of special relativity is the idea that the speed of light c is a constant, independent of the relative motion of the source
Special relativity deals with observers who are in uniform (unaccelerated) motion, whereas general relativity includes accelerated relative motion and gravity. Relativity is the study of how different observers measure the same event
special relativity — the theory that, in an inertial frame of reference, the motion of an object is relative to the frame from which it is viewed or measured. relativity — the study of how different observers measure the same event. first postulate of special relativity — the idea that the laws of physics are the same and can be stated in their simplest form in all inertial frames of reference. second postulate of special relativity — the idea that the speed of light c is a constant, independent of the source.
Worked example
What does “special relativity” mean in Special Relativity?
- 1Use the wording this chapter gives for special relativity.
- 2The book says: the theory that, in an inertial frame of reference, the motion of an object is relative to the frame from which it is viewed or measured.
- 3Do not use the meaning of relativity. That term means the study of how different observers measure the same event.
Result: the theory that, in an inertial frame of reference, the motion of an object is relative to the frame from which it is viewed or measured
Why. That is the meaning this chapter gives for special relativity.
Do not swap special relativity and relativity. special relativity means the theory that, in an inertial frame of reference, the motion of an object is relative to the frame from which it is viewed or measured. relativity means the study of how different observers measure the same event.
Practice margin
This chapter
A fresh set from this chapter only. Choose 10 or 20. Multiple choice and fill-in, with no repeat inside the set.