Atomic And Nuclear Physics

2

Special Theory of Relativity

THIS CHAPTER COVERS…

• The concept of Newtonian relativity and Galilean transformation, the Michelson-Morley's experiment and its outcome, the postulates of Maxwell's theory of relativity, derivation of Lorentz transformation equations with comparison to pre-relativistic physics and equations of electromagnetism, the physical meaning of principles of relativity, space-time diagrams, space-time interval, Minkowaski space-time, the Null cone, the consequences of special theory of relativity like time dilation, length contraction, Doppler effect and mass energy equivalence and invariance of Maxwell's equations, Tachyons and time travel.

2.1 INTRODUCTION

At the turn of the 20th century, classical physics, represented ...