Introduction to Modern Physics

Introduction to Modern Physics

1. Special theory of relativity

   • In 1905 Albert Einstein proposed a revolutionary theory in physics called special theory of relativity
     • The laws of physics apply equally in all inertial frames of reference. The speed of light (c) is constant for all inertial frames of reference.

2. Lorentz transformation

   • Lorentz transformation of coordinates shows how to relate space-time coordinates of an event with an inertial reference frame of that same event with the space-time coordinates on a second inertial frame.
     • Quantum theory, waves and particles
     • Black body radiation

3. Time Dilation and Length Contraction

   • Time dilation
     • Every time that time intervals between events are compared and measured by observers in different inertial reference frames, the concept of time dilation is used.
   • Length contraction
     • every time that you want to compare the length of an object measured by observers that are in different inertial reference frames.