Can anyone explain the theory of relativity to me

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around requests for explanations of the theory of relativity, specifically addressing both special and general relativity. Participants share resources and suggest directions for further exploration.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests an explanation of the theory of relativity.
  • Another participant suggests that there are books available in libraries for a more in-depth understanding.
  • A different participant recommends visiting the relativity section of the forum for relevant discussions.
  • A participant provides a brief overview of special relativity, mentioning its two foundational postulates: the principle of relativity and the light postulate, while also sharing links to additional resources.
  • The same participant invites further questions regarding the theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on how to best explain the theory of relativity, with various suggestions for resources and approaches being offered.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not engaged in detailed discussions about the implications or complexities of the theory itself, focusing instead on resource sharing and general guidance.

benzun_1999
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dear reader,

Can anyone explain the theory of relativity to me.

benzun
all for god
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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A bit of an ask for a Forum isn't it?

There are some fantastic books on the subject in most libraries though - perhaps you could start there?
 
Or he could go to the relativity part of the forum.
 


Originally posted by benzun_1999
dear reader,

Can anyone explain the theory of relativity to me.

benzun
all for god

Einstein's theory is online at

http://www.fourmilab.ch/etexts/einstein/specrel/www/
http://www.fourmilab.ch/etexts/einstein/specrel/specrel.pdf

Special Relativity is based on two postulates

(1) Principle of Relativity - The laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames of reference

(2) Light Postulate - The speed of light in an inertial frame of reference is independent of the source

With these posulates a number of consequences follow. I'd post them here but I made several web pages for that purpose so I'll simply point you to those.

Special Relativity - http://www.geocities.com/physics_world/sr.htm
General Relativity - http://www.geocities.com/physics_world/gr.htm

If you have any questions then please feel to ask.

Pete
 

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