Special Relativity

About Special Relativity Android App

Special Relativity is a theory that can be derived from two fundamental principles. If you have a good understanding of algebra, including matrices and linear transformations, this app can show you how.

Topics covered --

First steps:
• The constancy of the speed of light (Experimental fact, leading to . . .)
• The Isotropy of Space (Fundamental principle #1)
• The Principle of Relativity (Fundamental principle #2)
• Seconds as a unit of distance
• World lines
• Spacetime diagrams

1+1-dimensional Spacetime -- ideas and derivations:
• The Lorentz Transformation
• Thought experiments with light and a mirror, leading to . . .
• Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation
• The Lorentz Boost
• The Inverse Lorentz Transformation

1+1-dimensional Spacetime -- more:
• Spacetime intervals -- timelike, lightlike, and spacelike
• Time dilation and Lorentz Contraction
• Why one can't define "Simultaneous events" when at different locations
• The fundamental problem with faster-than-light travel
• Adding velocities
• The Spacetime Invariant

Additional space dimensions:
• Perpendicular distances
• Perpendicular velocities

Relativistic redshift
• Derivation

Mass and energy:
• Rest mass and relativistic mass
• Calculating relativistic mass
• One derivation of E=mc²

The app contains drawings wherever they are helpful for understanding -- over 20 in total.