Scribd
Upload
8 views4 pages

Relativity

The document discusses the classical model of relativity, outlining its assumptions, observations, and limitations, particularly in relation to electromagnetic phenomena and high-speed scenarios. It introduces mathematical tools such as Galilean transformations and highlights the conflict between classical relativity and Maxwell's equations, culminating in the Michelson-Morley experiment which supported the constancy of light speed. The document concludes with Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, emphasizing the principle of relativity and the constancy of the speed of light for all observers.

Uploaded by

azamkalhoro23
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
8 views4 pages

Relativity

The document discusses the classical model of relativity, outlining its assumptions, observations, and limitations, particularly in relation to electromagnetic phenomena and high-speed scenarios. It introduces mathematical tools such as Galilean transformations and highlights the conflict between classical relativity and Maxwell's equations, culminating in the Michelson-Morley experiment which supported the constancy of light speed. The document concludes with Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, emphasizing the principle of relativity and the constancy of the speed of light for all observers.

Uploaded by

azamkalhoro23
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

“Mastering Physics with Clarity, Practice, and Fun!

” Sir Sohail Asif 📞 0341-


0345559

1. Classical Model of Relativity 🌍


Classical Assumptions
 Space is absolute (same for all observers)
 Time is absolute (same for all observers)
 Mass is constant ( Doesn’t change with speed)
 Velocities add normally u=u' + v

Observations:
 No experiment inside a uniformly moving system can detect its motion
 Everyone can claim his frame is at rest and other frames are moving.
Principle of Galilean Relativity:
 There is no preferred frame for laws of Mechanics.
 Mechanics works the same in all inertial frames

“Mastering Physics with Clarity, Practice, and Fun!” Sir Sohail Asif 📞 0341-
0345559

2. Mathematical Tool to Study Classical Relativity 📐


Galilean Transformations
If frame S' moves with velocity v along the x-axis of frame S:
'
x ∧¿ x−vt
'
y ∧¿ y
'
z ∧¿ z
t ' ∧¿ t(time is absolute)

Classical Velocity Addition '


u=u + v
'
a =a
'
m =m
'
F =F

“Mastering Physics with Clarity, Practice, and Fun!” Sir Sohail Asif 📞 0341-
0345559
3. Areas Where Classical Physics Works and Its
Limitations ⚖️
Successes ✅
 Everyday mechanics: falling bodies, projectiles, pendulum
 Motion of solids and fluids
 Low-speed phenomena ( v ≪ c )
Limitations ❌
 Cannot explain electromagnetic phenomena
 Fails at high speeds ( v ≈ c )
 Time and space assumed absolute → conflicts with light experiments

“Mastering Physics with Clarity, Practice, and Fun!” Sir Sohail Asif 📞 0341-
0345559

4. Maxwell Equations and Michelson–Morley Experiment ⚡


Maxwell’s Equations
1
Predict electromagnetic waves travel at speed: c=
√ μ0 ε 0
 Speed of light appears constant, in Maxwell equations.
 Conflicting with Galilean relativity ( u=u' + v ¿
Problem: Who’s right Maxwell or Classical relativity!
Michelson–Morley Experiment 1887 (Dispute Settler)
1. Maxwell’s equations predicted a constant speed of light, independent of the observer’s
motion.
2. Classical (Galilean) relativity predicted change in light speed due to Earth’s motion
through ether.
Findings:
 No Ether was observed → light speed was the same in all directions.
Implication:
 Classical relativity (Newtonian addition of velocities) failed for light, while Maxwell’s
electromagnetic theory remained valid.
 Laid the foundation for Einstein’s Special Relativity, which reconciles mechanics with
Maxwell’s equations.
“Mastering Physics with Clarity, Practice, and Fun!” Sir Sohail Asif 📞 0341-
0345559

5. Introducing New Transformation Equations 🔄


Problem
Galilean transformations predict:
'
c =c + v
 Contradicts experiments (light speed constant)
Lorentz Transformations:

'
u +v
u= '
uv
1+ 2
c
'
x ∧¿ γ (x−vt)
'
( )
t ∧¿ γ t− 2
'
vx
c
y ∧¿ y
'
z ∧¿ z
1
γ=

√ v2
1− 2
c

6. Special Theory of Relativity (Einstein, 1905) 🌟


Postulate 1: Principle of Relativity
 Laws of physics are identical in all inertial frames
 No preferred frame (ether concept removed)
Postulate 2: Constancy of Speed of Light
 Speed of light in vacuum is the same for all observers
 Independent of motion of source or observer

“Mastering Physics with Clarity, Practice, and Fun!” Sir Sohail Asif 📞 0341-
0345559

You might also like