The Foundations of Relativity
PHYS 401 · Module 1
This module introduces the conceptual crisis that led to special relativity. Students compare Galilean relativity with electromagnetism, examine the aether hypothesis, study the Michelson-Morley experiment, and learn Einstein's two postulates.
Lessons in this module
Galilean relativity and its limits
Galilean relativity says the laws of mechanics are the same in all inertial frames. This lesson explains its transformations, successes, and conflict with Maxwell's theory of light.
The aether hypothesis and Michelson-Morley
Before relativity, many physicists thought light required a medium called the luminiferous aether. This lesson explains the aether idea, the Michelson-Morley experiment, and the significance of its null result.
Einstein's two postulates
Special relativity begins with two postulates about the laws of physics and the speed of light. This lesson explains the postulates and why they require new ideas about space and time.
Consequences of constant light speed
A constant light speed forces changes in measurements of time, length, and simultaneity. This lesson previews the major effects of special relativity through light-clock reasoning.
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