Einsteins Special Theory of Relativity By Victor Jeung

Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity By: Victor Jeung

Postulates for Special Theory of Relativity All laws of physics are valid in all inertial frame of references. 2. Light travels through space at a speed of c = 3. 00 × 108 m/s, relative to all inertial frames of reference. 1.

Simultaneity �Simultaneity is not an absolute concept �Two events that are simultaneous in one frame of reference are not simultaneous in another frame of reference; that is in motion with respect to the first

Time Dilation �

Speed Limit �Objects cannot have a speed equal to or greater than the speed of light

Length Contraction �

Relativistic Momentum �

Total Relativistic Energy �

Multiple Choice Question 1 1. a) b) c) d) The Star Wars spacecraft Tie Fighter flies at a speed of 0. 8 c with respect to the Earth. Luke Skywalker determines the time interval between the two events on Earth is 20 h. What is the time interval for Tie Fighter? 16. 7 h 20 h 33. 3 h

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Multiple Choice Question 2 2. a) b) c) d) It is the year 3000. A rocket passes by at a speed of 0. 3 c. The length of the rocket is 100 m. What is the length at rest? 108. 4 m 104. 8 m 104 m

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String Theory � Superstring theory is the favoured version of string theory Fundamental entities in the universe are microscopic, multidimensional strings � Strings are made of 10 or more dimensions, but only 3 are seen

Relativity and String Theory Connections � Einstein’s general relativity theory incorporated in Kaluza’s geometrical representation of electromagnetic field results in a five-dimensional universe � Strings are assumed to obey Einstein’s equations in spacetime resulting in a possibility to combine quantum mechanics with general relativity � Gravity remains as the only force that can be associated with space-time

Importance and Implications of Einstein’s Work � Einstein’s theory of special relativity revises conceptions of time, length and energy allowing us to analyze the effects of motion at high speeds � Einstein’s equation of total relativistic energy makes it possible to predict the amount of energy available from processes resulting in a decrease of mass e. g. Energy available from the complete conversion of coal

Further Reading / Bibliography � For further reading please refer to the pages found on the How. Stuff. Works website titled: How Special Relativity Works (http: //science. howstuffworks. com/science-vsmyth/everyday-myths/relativity. htm) What is string theory? (http: //science. howstuffworks. com/science-vsmyth/everyday-myths/string-theory. htm) � � � Einstein. Fest - Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. (n. d. ). Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Retrieved January 4, 2012, from http: //www. perimeterinstitute. ca/en/Outreach/Online_Viewers/Einstein. Fest/ Giancoli, D. C. (2005). Physics principles with applications (6 th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, N. J. : Pearson/Prentice Hall. Hirsch, A. J. (2003). Nelson physics 12. Toronto: Nelson Thomson Learning. Mc. Farland, E. L. (1991). Special relativity (2 ed. ). Guelph: Department of Physics, University of Guelph. Wolfe, J. (n. d. ). Relativity: Einstein's theory of relativity in animations and film clips. Einstein Light. School of Physics at UNSW, Sydney, Australia. Retrieved January 4, 2012, from http: //www. phys. unsw. edu. au/einsteinlight/