Chapter 26 - The Special Theory of Relativity

Inertial Reference Frame

A reference frame where Newton’s First Law is valid, can move at aconstant velocity

Relativity Principle

The basic laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames

Absolute

Describes measurements that do not change from one reference frame to the next, includesspace and time

Ether

he assumed medium light travels through in space, the velocity of light given by Maxwell’s Equations was assumed to be respect to this ether

Null Result

The failure to detect a difference in the speed of light when it travels in different directions relative to the ether

First Postulate

The laws of physics have the same form in all inertial frames

Second Postulate

Light propogates through empty space with a definite speed, c, independent of the speed of the source or observer

Thought Experiments

Simple experimental situations which can be thought about and used tosee the consequences of relativity theory

Event

Something that happens at a particular place at a particular time

Time Dilation

Clocks moving relative to an observer are measured to run more slowly, as compared to clocks at rest

Length Contraction

The length of an object relative to an observer is measure to be shorter alongits direction of motion than when it is at rest

Four-Dimensional Space-Time

The idea that space takes up three dimensions and time is the fourth dimension

Space-time interval

The quantity of four-dimensional space-time between two events

Relativistic Mass

The mass of an object with reference to its velocity

Correspondence Principle

The insistence that a more general theory can give the same results asa more restricted one