Special Relativity
A Note on Relativity before Einstein
The first presentation of the Lorentz transformations, including the crucial time dilation, belongs to Larmor [1897].
Beneath the Foundations of Spacetime
Special relativity can be derived with moving rulers in such a way that the astonishing connection between space and time can be clearly understood.
Breaking in the 4-vectors: the four-dimensional movement in gravitation, 1905–1910
The four-dimensional language of physics originated with Poincaré, Minkowski, and Sommerfeld in their study of the geometric and symbolic expressions of gravitational action. 60 p…
Einstein Light
A multimedia tutorial on Special Relativity. The introductory level takes 10 minutes, but has links to over 40 explanatory pages giving greater depth and breadth.
Einstein, Nordström and the Early Demise of Scalar, Lorentz Covariant Theories of Gravitation
Conventional thinking says that all Lorentz covariant gravitation theories are unacceptable. 74 pages.
Generalized relativistic velocity addition with spacetime algebra
The general problem of relativistic addition of velocities – and the successive application of noncollinear Lorentz boosts – is addressed.
Henri Poincaré and Relativity Theory
Who created the theory of relativity? This reference identifies the substantial contributions made to relativity theory by the mathematician Henri Poincaré. 254 pages.
Henri Poincaré: A Decisive Contribution to Special Relativity
Henri Poincaré set up all the basic concepts of special relativity several years before Einstein published On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies (Annalen der Physik vol XVII 190…
How Did Einstein Discover Special Relativity?
Dr. John Stachel speculates on how Einstein arrived at SRT. Dr. Stachel is Professor of Physics Emeritus and Director of the Center of Einstein Studies at Boston University.
How Do You Add Velocities in Special Relativity?
Here is the formula for adding velocities in special relativity when motion occurs in a single direction.
How Stuff Works: Special Relativity
The major principles of special relativity (SR) are discussed in an accessible way, via 5 segments, to help you understand the lingo and theories involved.
Imaginary in all directions
There is a preferred algebra of quaternions and complex numbers that is ideally suited to express the equations of special relativity and classical electrodynamics.
Is Travel Faster Than Light Possible?
Individual photons, which tunnel through a quantum barrier, can apparently travel faster than light.
Jim Doyle's Special Relativity Pages
A growing collection of pages on special relativity, including Special Relativity in under 15 Minutes!
Lorentz Contraction and Accelerated Systems
Lorentz contraction in systems undergoing constant proper acceleration is proven to be completely self-consistent in the context of special relativity.
Michelson, FitzGerald and Lorentz: the origins of relativity revisited
It is argued that the beginning of relativity theory occurred in early 1889, when G. F. FitzGerald wrote a letter to Oliver Heaviside concerning a result the latter had just obtain…
Minkowski, Mathematicians, and the Mathematical Theory of Relativity
Minkowski claimed scientific priority for a great, new, geometric theory of relativity at the Cologne lecture of 1908, based largely on the work of Poincaré. Poincaré was purpose…
Nothing but Relativity
There are many ways to derive the Lorentz transformation without invoking Einstein's constancy of light postulate. The path preferred in this paper restates a simple, established a…
Poincaré and the Special Theory of Relativity
It is often not appreciated that it took many great minds to finally attain the point of view that is now called ‘the special theory of relativity’.
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