Einstein’s First Postulate - Theory of Special Relativity

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Questions and Answers

According to Einstein's first postulate of special relativity, what is true about the laws of physics?

  • They are only valid in a vacuum
  • They are the same in all inertial frames of reference (correct)
  • They are simplest in non-inertial frames of reference
  • They vary based on the observer's speed

Why did Einstein conclude that an object with mass cannot travel at the speed of light?

  • Because light waves would appear stationary to such an object (correct)
  • Because Maxwell's equations would be invalid
  • Because it would violate the principle of relativity
  • Because it would contradict Newton's laws of motion

What did the Michelson-Morley experiment aim to investigate?

  • The validity of Maxwell's equations
  • The relationship between mass and energy
  • The speed of light in different inertial frames
  • The existence of a medium that carries light (correct)

What is the significance of Einstein's second postulate regarding the speed of light?

<p>It states that the speed of light is constant in all inertial frames (A)</p>
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What did the wave nature of light, demonstrated by experiments like Young's double slit experiment, suggest to scientists at the time?

<p>That light must travel through a medium, even in a vacuum (B)</p>
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What is an inertial reference frame?

<p>A reference frame in which a body at rest remains at rest and a body in motion moves at a constant speed in a straight line unless acted on by an outside force (B)</p>
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Which of the following situations would be considered an inertial reference frame?

<p>A plane flying at a constant altitude and speed (B)</p>
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In a non-inertial reference frame, such as a plane taking off, what happens to the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration?

<p>The force on an object is equal to the product of mass and acceleration plus a fictitious force (A)</p>
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What is an example of a reference frame used to measure velocity?

<p>All of the above (D)</p>
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In which type of reference frame does Newton's first law, the law of inertia, hold exactly?

<p>Inertial reference frame (C)</p>
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What is the defining characteristic of an inertial frame of reference?

<p>Objects remain at rest or move at a constant speed in a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force (C)</p>
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What happens to the laws of physics in non-inertial frames compared to inertial frames?

<p>They become more complex (B)</p>
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Which statement best describes the relationship between net force and acceleration in an inertial frame of reference?

<p>Net force equals mass multiplied by acceleration (B)</p>
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What additional force must be considered in non-inertial frames like that of a plane taking off?

<p>Fictitious force (C)</p>
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What was the contradiction that Einstein aimed to resolve with his second postulate?

<p>The laws of electricity and magnetism predicted that light travels at a constant speed, but Newton's laws suggested that light's speed should depend on the observer's motion. (A)</p>
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What conclusion did Einstein draw from the fact that Maxwell's equations do not allow for a stationary light wave as observed by a moving observer?

<p>An object with mass cannot travel at the speed of light. (C)</p>
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What assumption did scientists make about the medium through which light travels, based on the understanding that light is a wave?

<p>Light must travel through a medium, even in a vacuum, and its speed is relative to that medium. (A)</p>
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What did the Michelson-Morley experiment aim to investigate?

<p>The existence of the hypothetical aether medium through which light was thought to travel. (B)</p>
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What is the significance of Einstein's first postulate of special relativity?

<p>It establishes that the laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames of reference. (D)</p>
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