A Boot Camp to Special Theory of Relativity

Lecture 1 will offer glimpses of the history of the development of the subject from the time of Aristotle till the time of Galileo & Newton. Relativity is being talked about since the time of Newton offers Galilean Transformations. In this lecture, we shall discuss Aristotelian Science through his methods, four attributes of objects.

Quiz based on the Lecture 1 of Section 1.

Lecture 2 will introduce Galileo and Newton's approach through natural philosophy, definitions of space and time from Newton's famous book Principia Mathematica. Newton's three laws of motion will be reviewed. The Principle of relativity will be elaborated along with the definition of an inertial frame of reference.

Quiz 2 based on Lecture 2 of Section 1.

In Lecture 3 students will learn (i) to derive Galilean Transformation Equations and their limitations and (ii) high-speed test of GT through experiment.

Quiz 3 is based on Lecture 3 - Newtonian Relativity and Galilean Transformations.

Lecture 4 opens the Luminiferous Ether hypothesis that people supposed facilitates em wave propagation. Here we shall study the proposed properties of Ether and its non-existence forfeited Newtonian Relativity.

It is based on Lecture 4: Ether Hypothesis

Lecture 5 presents the famous Michelson-Morley experiment that measured fringe shift to compare with the theoretical prediction of its value. The disparity in experimental and theoretical values advocates rejection of the Ether Hypothesis. And the beginning of the new era of Physics that reformulates basic understanding as homogeneity of space and time while revealing to Universality of the speed of light. 

Based on Michelson Morley Experiment

This video Lecture 6 explains Einstein's TWO postulates of Special Theory of Relativity in view of his new perception of time.

This quiz is based on Einstein's postulates of Special Theory of Relativity.

This Lecture 7 depicts that Circular Trigonometry does not support Light equations in the space-time continuum. Rather the Hyperbolic trigonometry supports it and then yields transformation equations which are known as Lorentz Transformation Equations.

Quiz 7 is based on Lecture 7.

In this Lecture 8, an alternate (algebraic) approach of deriving the Lorentz Transformation equation is depicted with animation.

Quiz on derivation of Lorentz Transformation by the Algebraic Method

In Lecture 9, Inverse Lorentz Transformation (ILT) equations are derived.

Based on Inverse Lorentz Transformations.

The Lorentz transformation equations offer a linear dependence on the factor γ. In Lecture 10, we shall learn the behaviour of this factor γ with relative velocity.

Based on lecture 10.

The present video lecture 11 describes drawing space-time diagrams for moving and steady objects in reference to Galilean Transformation equations. Moreover, the definition of the Inertial Frame and the non-inertial frame is also explained using ST-diagrams.

Based on Video Lecture 11

Lecture 12 deals with the fact that the factor of gamma involved in Lorentz Transformation equations contracts the space and dilates the time.

Based on Video Lecture 11

Lecture 13 is dedicated to explaining the proof of time dilation in Earth's frame of reference while the observer in Muons frame will see contracted length travelled by Muon. The findings of the Muon experiment puzzled scientists at that time as to how can Muons travel 100 km distance in the span of 2.2 microseconds. Experimental proof for time dilation and space contraction was realized in the Muon experiment that formed evidence for Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity.

Based on Lecture 13

Lecture 14 opens with the discussion on Simultaneity in frames S and S'. Simultaneous events in one of the frames do not guarantee simultaneity in all other inertial frames. This is technically known as "simultaneity is relative". 

Based on Video Lecture 14

Lecture 15 deals with the second part of drawing space-time diagrams under Lorentz Transformations. After assimilating the concept of drawing space-time diagrams for both observers S and S', you will be able to draw such space-time diagrams on your own.

Lecture 16 is again dedicated to the drawing of space-time diagrams. In this third part (i) length contraction and (ii) time dilation is expressed using space-time diagrams. These s-t diagrams are drawn to the scale using Maple forms a delightful experience when we look at numerical values of contraction and dilations taking place due to relative speed between inertial frames.

Lecture 17 is dedicated to part four of space-time diagrams wherein the concept of "simultaneity is relative" can be visualized.

Lecture 18 is dedicated to the proof that the unit cell area of the space-time diagram is conserved for all inertial observers.

This lecture 19 will tell you a story of twins celebrating their birthdays and once sending messages while being in their respective frames of reference. This is a very interesting example wherein time dilation is explained using a space-time diagram in an interactive way.

Based on issues of time dilation

Lecture 20 advocates the preservation of the Causality Principle in STR. Causality (cause and effect) is influenced by which one event, process, state or object (a cause) contributes to the production of another event, process, state or object (an effect) where the cause is partly responsible for the effect, and the effect is partly dependent on the cause. Special Theory of Relativity preserves this Principle of Causality until the second axiom by Einstein is valid.

This quiz is based on the Causality principle.