Lesson 5&6: Theory of Relativity

Reference for Motion

Frame of Reference

Theory of Relativity

The special theory of relativity predicts that events are simultaneous for observers in one inertial frame of reference are not necessarily simultaneous for observers in a different inertial frame of reference.

The special theory of relativity predicts that if you are observing events in an inertial frame of reference that is moving rapidly relative to you, times in that frame of reference will appear to slow down.

Relative Time

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Relative time - Time measured in frame moving relative to actual event.

Proper time - Time measured in the same frame as the event itself.

c = 3 x 10^8 m/s

Length Contraction

The special theory of relativity predicts that if you are observing objects in an inertial frame of reference that is moving rapidly relative to you, lengths in that observed frame of reference in the direction of the motion will appear shorter.

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Relativistic Mass

The basic conservation laws for momentum and energy can not be violated due to relativity.

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Relativistic momentum:

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Mass and Energy

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Total Energy

Kinetic Energy: K = (m – mo)c^2