Introduction To Special Relativity

Discover Einstein's theory of special relativity and uncover the true nature of space and time.

What you'll learn
Gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts within special relativity.
Apply knowledge of special relativity to predict and explain physical phenomena.
Derive the famous mass-energy equivalence equation E = mc^2 and uncover the true nature of space and time.
Investigate the fascinating and counter-intuitive conclusions special relativity leads us to.
Appreciate the role special relativity plays in modern scientific research and technology.
Gain the necessary foundations to study further topics such as quantum field theory and general relativity.
Requirements
Only basic mathematical fluency required. A background in maths or physics is not a prerequisite.
Description
Introduction to special relativity is an accessible and engaging journey through the work of a true genius.With 6 hours of video content, detailed pdf slides, and a series of problems + worked solutions, this course is for anyone interested in learning about special relativity and its mind-boggling predictions. Concepts are introduced in a logical order at a tangible pace and are explained in detail within videos and summarised within slides.  Special relativity is the master-work of the greatest scientist of a generation.After completing the course, you will have a detailed understanding of special relativity. Special relativity is a triumphant theory, first formulated in 1905 by Albert Einstein, that explains the behaviour of nature in its most extreme configurations, including high-energy beams within particle accelerators, and paved the way for influential technologies such as the Global Positioning System. The theory was the first indication that Newton's description of the macroscopic world, having stood undisputed for over 200 years, was incomplete.Material is presented in an intelligent manner to help advanced concepts appear straightforward.The course material is equivalent to that taught within a first-year undergraduate physics course but is presented in a clear and cogent fashion to allow for easier digestion. Problems have been written to a similar level but adjusted to include only the mathematics taught within the course.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 What is Special Relativity?

Lecture 2 How to Follow the Course

Lecture 3 The Life of Albert Einstein

Lecture 4 Newtonian Space and Time

Lecture 5 Article: Mathematical Briefing

Section 2: Foundations of Special Relativity

Lecture 6 Section Introduction

Lecture 7 Galilean Relativity

Lecture 8 Examples: Galilean Relativity

Lecture 9 Light and the Aether

Lecture 10 The Michelson-Morley Experiment

Lecture 11 Article: Michelson-Morley Derivation

Lecture 12 Special Relativity Postulates

Lecture 13 Time is not Absolute!

Lecture 14 Section Conclusion

Section 3: Relativistic Space and Time

Lecture 15 Section Introduction

Lecture 16 Lorentz Transformations: Part 1

Lecture 17 Article: Constructing the Transformation

Lecture 18 Lorentz Transformations: Part 2

Lecture 19 Lorentz Transformations: Part 3

Lecture 20 Examples: Lorentz Transformations

Lecture 21 Lorentz Factor

Lecture 22 Invariant Interval

Lecture 23 Examples: Lorentz Factor and Interval

Lecture 24 Time Dilation

Lecture 25 Atmospheric Muons: Part 1

Lecture 26 Length Contraction

Lecture 27 Atmospheric Muons: Part 2

Lecture 28 Relativistic Velocities

Lecture 29 Examples: Relativistic Velocities

Lecture 30 Section Conclusion

Section 4: Relativistic Mass and Energy

Lecture 31 Section Introduction

Lecture 32 Inelastic Collisions

Lecture 33 Mass and Momentum

Lecture 34 Examples: Mass and Momentum

Lecture 35 Nothing Travels Faster than Light!

Lecture 36 Relativistic Force

Lecture 37 Work Done and Kinetic Energy

Lecture 38 Energy-Mass Equivalence

Lecture 39 Massless Particles

Lecture 40 Article: Photon Momentum

Lecture 41 Examples: Relativistic Energy

Lecture 42 Section Conclusion

Section 5: Consequences of Special Relativity

Lecture 43 Section Introduction

Lecture 44 Interstellar Travel

Lecture 45 The Twin Paradox

Lecture 46 Global Positioning System (GPS)

Lecture 47 Article: GPS and Gravity

Lecture 48 Gold Atoms and Heavy Electrons

Lecture 49 Nuclear Energy

Lecture 50 Creation and Annihilation

Lecture 51 Particle Accelerators

Lecture 52 Section Conclusion

Section 6: Further Topics

Lecture 53 Section Introduction

Lecture 54 4D Spacetime

Lecture 55 Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

Lecture 56 Relativistic Fields

Lecture 57 General Relativity

Lecture 58 Quantum Gravity

Lecture 59 Section Conclusion

Section 7: Conclusion

Lecture 60 Course Conclusion

Lecture 61 Article: Further Study

The course is suitable for anyone interesting in learning about relativity, how it can be applied to the universe, and its significance as a scientific theory in a larger context.