Special Relativity and Lorentz Transformations

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is an inertial frame of reference?

A reference frame where Newton's laws are valid and a body not subjected to net external forces moves in rectilinear motion at constant velocity.

Define the Newtonian Principle of Relativity.

If Newton's laws are valid in one inertial reference frame, then they are valid in another inertial reference frame moving at a uniform velocity relative to the first system.

What are the conditions of the Galilean Transformation?

K' has a constant relative velocity in the x-direction with respect to K, and time (t) is a fundamental invariant for all observers.

How did Einstein's observation in 1905 lead to the development of the Special Theory of Relativity?

<p>Einstein observed that the laws of Physics are the same in all non-accelerating frames of reference and the speed of light in vacuum is independent of the motion of all observers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of time dilation.

<p>Time dilation is the difference in elapsed time measured by two observers due to relative velocity between them.</p> Signup and view all the answers