Einstein's Theory of Relativity

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from Einstein's theory of relativity, including his postulates, concepts of simultaneity, and the Lorentz transformations.

What are Einstein's two postulates of relativity?

1) The laws of physics are the same in all inertial systems. 2) The speed of light is constant for all observers in inertial frames.

What is the concept of simultaneity in different reference frames?

Two events that are simultaneous in one reference frame may not be simultaneous in another.

What is the first step in the synchronization of clocks?

Place observers with clocks throughout a given system.

How do you synchronize clocks in a reference frame?

Bring all the clocks to one location, compare readings, and adjust them so they read the same.

What is the Lorentz transformation used for?

To preserve the constancy of the speed of light between inertial observers and account for simultaneity issues.

What happens to the laws of physics as v approaches c in the Lorentz transformations?

They reduce to the familiar Galilean transformation.

What defines the relativistic factor in the Lorentz transformations?

y = 1/√(1-v²/c²), where v is the relative velocity and c is the speed of light.

In Einstein's view, how does one observer perceive the clocks of another moving observer?

The moving observer sees the clocks out of synchronization due to the relative motion.

What is the relation used for adding velocities in special relativity?

ux = y(dx' + v dt'), where u is the velocity of the observer.

What is the implication of the Lorentz transformation when two events are simultaneous in one frame?

They may not be simultaneous in another frame moving relative to the first.