Tru Physics

Tag: Time Dilation

  • Chapter 8: Introduction to Special Relativity

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    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…

  • Twin Paradox

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    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.…

  • Minkowski Diagrams

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    Introduction Minkowski diagrams are a type of spacetime diagram introduced by Hermann Minkowski in the context of special relativity. They provide a geometric interpretation of the Lorentz transformations and offer a visual way to understand the effects of relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction. Basic Structure A Minkowski diagram is a two-dimensional graph…

  • Length Contraction

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    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…

  • Hafele-Keating Experiment

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    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…

  • General Relativity

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    Introduction General Relativity is a theory of gravitation that was developed by Albert Einstein between 1907 and 1915. Based on his idea of what he called “The Equivalence Principle,” he proposed that gravity is not a force in the traditional sense, but a curvature in spacetime caused by mass and energy. The Field Equations The…

  • Special Relativity

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    Introduction Special relativity is a theory in physics formulated by Albert Einstein in 1905. It describes the laws of physics that apply to all non-accelerating observers and states that the speed of light in a vacuum is the same for all observers, regardless of their motion or the motion of the source of light. Postulates…

  • Time Dilation

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    Introduction Time dilation is a fundamental concept in physics that originates from Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. It describes how the perception of time can vary for two observers depending on their relative motion and gravitational field. Time Dilation in Special Relativity In special relativity, time dilation occurs between two observers if one is moving…