Special Theory of Relativity I
Frame of Reference
• It is a set of axes that defines the position of any point in space at any instant of
time.
• The frame can be at rest or moving at a constant velocity or accelerating.
• An inertial frame is a non-accelerated frame of reference.
Newtonian Relativity
• Two observers who are moving relative to each other will disagree about their
measurements of velocity.
• Absolute motion cannot be determined.
• Motion is always measured relative to a frame of reference e.g. Earth's frame.
• The laws of motion are the same in any inertial frame of reference.
• But not the laws of electromagnetism e.g. the speed of light is different in different
inertial frames of reference.
Einstein's Relativity
• There are two postulates (suggestions).
• First: all the laws of physics are the same in any inertial frame of reference.
• Second: hence the speed of light is the same in any inertial frame of reference.
• This theory predicts that two observers who are moving relative to each other will
disagree about their measurements of time and distance.
• Absolute time and distance cannot be measured; only relative time/distance.
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