A Boot Camp to Special Theory of Relativity

This video Lecture 6 explains Einstein's TWO postulates of Special Theory of Relativity in view of his new perception of time.

This Lecture 7 depicts that Circular Trigonometry does not support Light equations in the space-time continuum. Rather the Hyperbolic trigonometry supports it and then yields transformation equations which are known as Lorentz Transformation Equations.

In this Lecture 8, an alternate (algebraic) approach of deriving the Lorentz Transformation equation is depicted with animation.

In Lecture 9, Inverse Lorentz Transformation (ILT) equations are derived.

The Lorentz transformation equations offer a linear dependence on the factor γ. In Lecture 10, we shall learn the behaviour of this factor γ with relative velocity.

Lecture 12 deals with the fact that the factor of gamma involved in Lorentz Transformation equations contracts the space and dilates the time.

Lecture 13 is dedicated to explaining the proof of time dilation in Earth's frame of reference while the observer in Muons frame will see contracted length travelled by Muon. The findings of the Muon experiment puzzled scientists at that time as to how can Muons travel 100 km distance in the span of 2.2 microseconds. Experimental proof for time dilation and space contraction was realized in the Muon experiment that formed evidence for Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity.

Lecture 14 opens with the discussion on Simultaneity in frames S and S'. Simultaneous events in one of the frames do not guarantee simultaneity in all other inertial frames. This is technically known as "simultaneity is relative". 

Lecture 15 deals with the second part of drawing space-time diagrams under Lorentz Transformations. After assimilating the concept of drawing space-time diagrams for both observers S and S', you will be able to draw such space-time diagrams on your own.

Lecture 16 is again dedicated to the drawing of space-time diagrams. In this third part (i) length contraction and (ii) time dilation is expressed using space-time diagrams. These s-t diagrams are drawn to the scale using Maple forms a delightful experience when we look at numerical values of contraction and dilations taking place due to relative speed between inertial frames.

Lecture 17 is dedicated to part four of space-time diagrams wherein the concept of "simultaneity is relative" can be visualized.

Lecture 18 is dedicated to the proof that the unit cell area of the space-time diagram is conserved for all inertial observers.

This lecture 19 will tell you a story of twins celebrating their birthdays and once sending messages while being in their respective frames of reference. This is a very interesting example wherein time dilation is explained using a space-time diagram in an interactive way.

Lecture 20 advocates the preservation of the Causality Principle in STR. Causality (cause and effect) is influenced by which one event, process, state or object (a cause) contributes to the production of another event, process, state or object (an effect) where the cause is partly responsible for the effect, and the effect is partly dependent on the cause. Special Theory of Relativity preserves this Principle of Causality until the second axiom by Einstein is valid.

In this Lecture 21, we will develop the formula to add the speeds realm of Special Theory of Relativity. This formula is effective when the involved speeds are close to the speed of light. This formula approximates the classical formula for ordinary speeds.

Learning Twin Paradox is a milestone in the course of learning relativity which is addressed in this Lecture 22. In this video symmetry in the time dilation is argued for all inertial observers on the basis of "no frame is a preferred frame of reference". But the physical reality must be settled and can not be perspective dependent. The case of Twin Paradox is resolved though the symmetry in time dilation is paradoxical.

In Newtonian Physics mass is treated as a constant. However, practically it depends on the velocity which is derived in this Lecture 23. Einstein's Special Theory of relativity states that mass is a function of velocity and mathematically proper mass times gamma factor makes the relativistic mass.

Doppler shift in sound depends upon the speed of Source & Observer with respect to the medium. This cannot be the case for the light wave. Since there is no medium (no ‘ether’) and no preferred frame of reference according to Einstein’s 1st postulate. Then the question is "Dose Doppler effect exists in the case of light?". To your surprise, the answer is YES! This Lecture 24 explains it "How?"

In this Lecture 25 we are deriving the equation E equals mc squared. This is the equation that has given Albert Einstein unique fame. Also, we shall state the formula for relativistic momentum.

Very quickly without causing any complexity and trouble I wish to give you a flavour of Advanced Mechanics and conclude this last lecture of this course – A boot camp to Special Theory of Relativity. This will offer you a brief transition to Advanced Mechanics. The principle of least action - really the principle of stationary action - is the most compact form of the classical laws of Physics. This simple rule it can be written in a single line summarizes everything!

In this last Lecture 26, we are going to establish Relativistic Lagrangian in an elegant way and quickly we shall descend upon relativistic momentum and energy E equal to mc squared.

I take this opportunity to have a concluding interaction with you. Firstly, Congratulations!! For taking up and completing this course “A Boot Camp to Special Theory of Relativity”. Hope it was a joyful experience for you!

This is just the beginning into the world of RELATIVITY. Based on your feedback, I will be able to plan the next levels. So, looking forward to your feedback! Thank you!! Bye-bye!!!