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Prior to 1905 the concept of relativity was the term where we simply discussed ones experiences from your own frame of reference. The car you see stationary beside you is actually moving relative to the ground, only because you are also moving with that car. (This is discussed here) But then in 1905 Albert Einstein developed his special Theory of Relativity. Because of the constancy of the speed of light he determined that the relativity understanding that was known at the time had flaws. Resolving this he determined that, rather than being absolute, time, momentum and length became relative. The following lessons explores the development of Einstein's special theory of relativity |
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1. Michelson and Morley
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Although Einstein himself did not consider the results of Michelson and Morley's experiment as necessary for his development of Theory of Relativity, the experiment is nonetheless important that indirectly supported both Maxwell's theories and the postulates that underpin Einstein's.
This video discusses the concepts qualitatively. If you want to see the mathematical analysis underpinning Michelson and Morley's work, check out the video. |
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2. Frames of reference Explained
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Prior to understanding Einsteins theory of relativity you we need to understand what frames of reference are. We also need to be able to distinguish between initial and non-initial frames of reference.
This video examines the principles |
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3. An intro to relativity from history
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Einstein's theory of relativity, although brilliant, did not come from a vacuum. How ideas are built on the foundations of others, especially James ClerkMaxwell. In fact Einstein had a picture of Maxwell in his office. This video discusses some of the key points leading up to Einsteins paper on special relativity, including his thought experiments. |
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4. The consequences of relativity...Time Dilation, and the evidence
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What is time dilation? It is a direct consequence of Einstein's postulates and is explained here. I also discuss two key experiments that validate it.
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When you think of time dilation in the context of Special Relativity, it's often taught as if you see things in slow motion. But that's wrong! This video covers why it is wrong as what you would see if an object was moving at relativistic speeds.
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5. The consequences of relativity...momentum dilation, and the evidence
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coming soon, but check my worked solution
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6. The consequences of relativity...length contraction
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coming soon,
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7. The consequences of relativity...What is simultaneity?
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Using an exam question, I explain the concept of simultaneity.
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going deeper