What Are the Core Postulates of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity?

[rchenkl]

Homework Statement

State two postulate that underlie the Special Theory of Relativity

The Attempt at a Solution

From the notes I have from the lecturer. It says:
The principle of relativity: The laws of physics must be the same in all inertial reference frame.
The constancy of the speed of light: the speed of light must be the same in all inertial frames, regardless of the velocity of the observer or the velocity of the source emitting the light.

My question is:
For the first statement, how do I use an example to explain this? Because I'm not too sure about "the law of physics" really means.

 

[LowlyPion]

You can always review here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_relativity

 

[rchenkl]

You can always review here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_relativity

Can I say the physics law in any inertial frame is independent? So when I do an experiment (say measuring the mass of a sphere) on a inertial frame, will be the same as what I do in another inertial frame. Is that correct?

 

[LowlyPion]

Can I say the physics law in any inertial frame is independent? So when I do an experiment (say measuring the mass of a sphere) on a inertial frame, will be the same as what I do in another inertial frame. Is that correct?

You have listed the two principles in your original post. If you are talking about independent of frame, then I suppose you can say your "laws" will be valid in one coordinate representation or another.

The other important postulate is the invariance of the speed of c.

 

[rchenkl]

You have listed the two principles in your original post. If you are talking about independent of frame, then I suppose you can say your "laws" will be valid in one coordinate representation or another.

The other important postulate is the invariance of the speed of c.

So for example, one person is doing an experiment and obtained a result at stationary. Another person is traveling at a speed and do the same experiment. They will obtain the same results regardless the frame they are in. Is that a correct derivation from the first postulate?

 

[LowlyPion]

So for example, one person is doing an experiment and obtained a result at stationary. Another person is traveling at a speed and do the same experiment. They will obtain the same results regardless the frame they are in. Is that a correct derivation from the first postulate?

I think as long as there is uniform translation between the frames.