Assumptions of Special Relativity

This section describes the two assumptions for the special theory of relativity proposed by Albert Einstein in 1905.

In 1905, Albert Einstein proposed the theory of special relativity with two assumptions:

1. The Principle of Relativity - As defined by Einstein, if a system of coordinates K is chosen so that, in relation to it, physical laws hold good in their simplest form, the same laws hold good in relation to any other system of coordinates K' moving in uniform translation relatively to K.

2. The Constancy of the Speed of Light - The speed of light has the same value c with respect to any observer who is moving in uniform translation relatively to the source of light.

Relativity - The Special and General Theory
Relativity - The Special and General Theory

Table of Contents

 About This Book

 Introduction of Space

 Introduction of Frame of Reference

 Introduction of Time

 Introduction of Speed

 Newton's Laws of Motion

Introduction of Special Relativity

Assumptions of Special Relativity

 What Is an Inertial Frame of Reference

 The Principle of Relativity

 The Constancy of the Speed of Light

 Time Dilation in Special Relativity

 Length Contraction in Special Relativity

 The Relativity of Simultaneity

 Introduction of Spacetime

 Minkowski Spacetime and Diagrams

 Introduction of Hamiltonian

 Introduction of Lagrangian

 Introduction of Generalized Coordinates

 Phase Space and Phase Portrait

 References

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