Special Relativity

Special RelativityAmanda DorseyFaranak IslamJose GuevaraPatrick ConlinOutlineCreation of special relativityWhy it was createdTwo postulatesPredictionsLength contractionTime dilationImpactThenNowIn the future

Special Relativity IntroductionIn 1905 Albert Einstein wrote On the Electrodynamics of Moving BodiesSpecial relativity is a theory that describes space and time based on inertial frames of reference frames of reference in which all the laws of physics are followed

Why was the theory of special relativity created?Galilean transformations x=x-vty=yz=zt=tMaxwells equations did not work with the transformationsEinstein set out to create a consistent theory for electrodynamicsPostulates/RestrictionsThere is no preferred frameThe laws of physics are the same in all inertial framesThe constancy of the speed of lightThe speed of light is a universal constantRestrictionsLinear motion Constant velocityNegligible gravitation

Lorentz TransformationsPredictionsProperties:Relativity of simultaneityPhenomena:Length contractionTime dilation

Relativity of SimultaneityTwo simultaneous events in one frame may not be simultaneous in another frame

Length ContractionAs velocities near the speed of light, an object will appear shorter to an observer in an inertial frame

Ex: A spaceship traveling near the speed of light 10% speed of light 86.5% speed of light

Time DilationClocks in a moving frame of reference tick slower than clocks in a stationary frame.Ex) Airplanes flying around the EarthTraveling east, the clock would run slower relative to a stationary clock onthe earthTraveling west, the clocks would run faster relative to a stationary clock on the earth

Theoretical ExtensionAs energy is added to the particles (ex: by heating), the box gains mass

What is the impact of the theory of special relativity?Present applicationsGPS satellitesSpace travelNecessary for the study of high energy physics and other fields (ex. Cosmology) In the futureTime travel forward through timeMore advanced space travel

ConclusionGeneral relativity was then created 10 years later and included everything- nonlinear motion, acceleration, gravitation, etc. Special relativity is now a worldwide accepted theory used of describing the worldSucceeded in creating a consistent theory for electrodynamicsChanged the definition of time and spaceThank you!ReferencesSpecial relativity.Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved October 08, 2013 from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/special relativityH.Lorentz,A.Einstein,H.Minkowsky.The Principle of Relativity, Methuen, London, 35 (1923) .Albert Einstein Photo. Funny Pun Punology. Retrieved November 25, 2013 from http://www.funny-joke-pictures.com/2013/03/funny-pun-punology-caption-pictures.html#ixzz2liUvsWCSKoks, Don. What is relativistic mass?. Retrieved November 25, 2013 from http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SR/mass.htmlThornton, Stephen; Rex, Andrew. Special Theory of Relativity. Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers: 4th edition.:2013.Relativistic Length Contraction. The Physics classroom: 2013. Retrieved November 29, 2013 from http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/specrel/lc.cfm