Science

Online encyclopedia article.

A standard introduction to special relativity where explanations are based on pictures called spacetime diagrams.

Relativists consider it a very important exercise to have students decide how to measure the length of a rapidly moving object.

An introduction to relativity using space-time diagrams.

Lecture notes on Special Relativity, prepared by J. D. Cresser, Department of Physics, Macquarie University. 44 pages.

Synchronization functions set the mathematical clocks represented by the Lorentz transformation and resetting these clocks mathematically only produces a theory equivalent to special relativity in predicting empirical facts. 57 pages.

The quaternions are an expansion of complex numbers and show close relations to numerous physically fundamental concepts (e.g. Pauli Matrices).

An estimate of the speed and distances covered by Santa Claus on Christmas night. The physics is unassailable. The article is hosted on the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory website.

A multimedia tutorial on Special Relativity. The introductory level takes 10 minutes, but has links to over 40 explanatory pages giving greater depth and breadth.

The general problem of relativistic addition of velocities – and the successive application of noncollinear Lorentz boosts – is addressed.

An article from the Wikipedia encyclopedia.

This theorem by H. J. Borchers and G. C. Hegerfeldt proves that the constancy of light velocity alone implies the Lorentz group (up to dilatations).

This is chapter 1 of a book by Chris Doran and Anthony Lasenby on geometric algebra, which is the natural mathematics of spacetime.

Formulas relating one and the same force in two inertial frames of reference are derived directly from the Lorentz transformation of space and time coordinates.

Lorentz contraction in systems undergoing constant proper acceleration is proven to be completely self-consistent in the context of special relativity.

Albert Einstein's first paper on relativity, translated here from Annalen der Physik vol XVII 1905 p. 891-921, is of historical interest.

When viewed with an alternative synchronization convention, the Sagnac effect on a rotating disk is purely topological and the rim of the disk is essentially an inertial system.

The age-old puzzling problem of Lorentz contraction on a rotating platform, i.e., Ehrenfest's paradox, is explained in its proper mathematical context.

There is a preferred algebra of quaternions and complex numbers that is ideally suited to express the equations of special relativity and classical electrodynamics.

Self-tutorial with short essays, questions and answers.

Encyclopedia article giving a brief outline of the basic concepts of special relativity (including simple formulas).

Brief explanation of special relativity, using no more than high-school level mathematics; includes an account of the twin paradox, some remarks on faster-than-light travel, and some material on relativistic mechanics. By Rafi Moor.

This derivation uses the group property of the Lorentz transformations, which means that a combination of two Lorentz transformations also belongs to the class Lorentz transformations.

Special relativity may be derived just from assuming isotropy, homogeneity and a principle of relativity, without the need to consider the speed of light.

Chapter of a classical mechanics text describes spatiotemporal effects. Includes problems and solutions.

Download Christoph Schiller's 1612 page walk through the whole of physics, from classical mechanics to relativity, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, quantum theory, nuclear physics and unification. chapter 2 explains special relativity.

The major principles of special relativity (SR) are discussed in an accessible way, via 5 segments, to help you understand the lingo and theories involved.