Tag: Special Relativity
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Luminiferous Aether
Introduction The concept of the luminiferous aether (also known as “ether”) was central to the theoretical framework of physics before the advent of Einstein’s theory of relativity. Essentially, it was considered the medium through which light waves propagate, much like sound waves require a medium such as air to travel. The Nature of Light: A…
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Thomas Precession
Introduction Thomas precession, a relativistic phenomenon predicted by Llewellyn Thomas in 1926, has significant implications for the study of high-speed particle physics. It describes a correction factor applied to the motion of a spinning particle when observed from an inertial frame of reference, which is central to special relativity and quantum mechanics. Fundamental Concepts Thomas…
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Chapter 9: The Lorentz Transformations
9.1 Introduction to the Lorentz Transformations The Lorentz transformations are a set of mathematical equations that describe the relationship between the space and time coordinates of events in different inertial frames of reference moving relative to one another. These transformations are essential for understanding the principles of special relativity, including time dilation and length contraction.…
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Chapter 8: Introduction to Special Relativity
8.1 Introduction to Special Relativity Special relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein in 1905, which revolutionized our understanding of space and time. This theory was developed to reconcile the principles of classical mechanics with those of electromagnetism, particularly the constant speed of light in a vacuum. Special relativity has important implications for our…
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Twin Paradox
Introduction The Twin Paradox is a thought experiment in special relativity involving identical twins, one of whom makes a journey into space in a high-speed rocket and returns home to find that the other twin, who has stayed on Earth, has aged more. This seemingly paradoxical outcome arises from the relativistic effects of time dilation.…
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Unruh Effect
Introduction The Unruh effect is a theoretical prediction in quantum field theory and is one of the results showing the deep connections between quantum physics, thermodynamics, and relativity. Proposed by William G. Unruh in 1976, it suggests that an accelerating observer will be in a thermal state – in other words, they will observe a…
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Momentum
Introduction Momentum is a fundamental concept in physics. It is a vector quantity and is expressed classically as the product of an objects mass and velocity. Definition of Momentum The momentum of an object can be calculated using the formula: where is the mass of the object and is its velocity. Conservation of Momentum One…
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Length Contraction
Introduction Length contraction is a fundamental concept in the theory of special relativity. It describes the phenomenon that a moving object’s length is measured to be shorter than its rest length, along the direction of motion. Understanding Length Contraction Length contraction is a direct consequence of Einstein’s postulate that the speed of light in a…
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Inertial Frame
Introduction An inertial frame of reference, in physics, is a frame of reference in which Newton’s first law of motion — the law of inertia — holds true. That is, in an inertial frame, an object not acted upon by a net external force moves with a constant velocity. Defining Inertial Frame By definition, an…
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Hafele-Keating Experiment
Introduction The Hafele-Keating experiment was a test of the theory of relativity. In October 1971, Joseph C. Hafele, a physicist, and Richard E. Keating, an astronomer, took four cesium-beam atomic clocks aboard commercial airliners. They flew twice around the world, first eastward, then westward, and compared the clocks against others that remained at the United…