Jen Chyi Liao

Theory of Special Relativity for Beginners Jen Chyi Liao

Albert Einstein published two postulates in 1905 with the aim of resolving the issue of the propagation of electromagnetic radiation. A full-blown theory, known as the theory of special relativity today, based on the two postulates was then developed. The theory can be regarded as an extension of Newtonian physics (also known as Newtonian mechanics). Whereas Newtonian physics fails at speeds close to c, the speed of light, the theory of special relativity (the Relativity for short) covers speeds from zero to c. The Relativity is one of the greatest achievements of human intellect, and is often regarded as a subject difficult to comprehend. Since the Relativity is an extension of Newtonian physics, every aspects of the Relativity are in parallel to those of Newtonian physics. As Newtonian physics is comprehensible to most people, so should the Relativity be. The Relativity may be difficult to comprehend simply because it is not presented in an easy to understand format. This book is intended for easy to understand and for maintaining a balance between concept and mathematics. The mathematics involves only basic calculus. However, those who are not comfortable with it or are not interested in mathematical details can skip or glance through without missing the essential part of the theory. The book is divided into six chapters. The first chapter covers inertial reference frames (also called inertial systems), the principle of special relativity, the underlying concepts of Newtonian physics and the Relativity, and the Galilean transformations. The second chapter covers the ether hypothesis, the Michelson-Morley experiment, the efforts to save the ether hypothesis, and Einstein's two postulates of the Relativity. The third chapter covers the Lorentz transformations and the Relativistic kinematics. The fourth chapter covers a few applications and experimental verification of the Relativity. The fifth chapter covers the Relativistic dynamics. The sixth chapter covers the twin paradox and the essence of time dilation and space contraction resulted from the Lorentz transformations.