Special Relativity

Part 10: Special Relativity

This part introduces Einstein’s theory of special relativity, one of the most profound developments in modern physics. You will learn how the concepts of space, time, energy, and momentum must be modified when objects move at speeds approaching the speed of light. Beginning with Einstein’s two postulates, you will explore phenomena such as time dilation, length contraction, and the relativistic relationship between energy and momentum.

The concepts developed in this part provide the foundation for modern particle physics, nuclear physics, and many technologies used in science and medicine. Special relativity is essential for understanding the behavior of high-energy particles produced in particle accelerators, cosmic rays, and radioactive decay. It also underlies technologies such as PET imaging, radiation therapy, and the operation of the Global Positioning System (GPS), whose accuracy depends on relativistic corrections.

This part contains the following chapters:

88. Introduction to Special Relativity
89. Einstein’s Postulates
90. Simultaneity and Time Dilation
91. Length Contraction
92. Relativistic Addition of Velocities
93. Relativistic Momentum
94. Relativistic Energy