Physics · Modern
Special Relativity
Einstein's 1905 theory from two postulates: the constant speed of light, relativity of simultaneity, time dilation, length contraction, the Lorentz factor, E = mc², and real-world checks from muons to GPS.
Step 1 of 6 · Overview35 min read ·
Key idea
Prereqs: Newton's laws; Light. Next: General relativity. Sources: Einstein, 'On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies' (1905); Taylor & Wheeler, *Spacetime Physics*; Susskind's *Theoretical Minimum: Special Relativity*.Next: 1. Two postulates