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An Elementary Introduction to Special Relativity - Lecture 1

Insights into Mathematics via YouTube

Overview

Explore an unconventional introduction to Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity in this 47-minute lecture. Learn how Special Relativity can be derived from simple Newtonian mechanics by replacing the concept of inertial frames with inertial observers. Discover a unique approach using one-dimensional "bat-world" scenarios to illustrate key concepts. Delve into topics such as challenges in learning special relativity, creating coordinates for bat space-time, measuring position and velocities, and understanding how Special Relativity logically follows from Newtonian principles. Gain insights into this fundamental physics theory through an accessible, algebra-based explanation that avoids common assumptions and simplifies complex ideas.

Syllabus

Introduction
Challenges in learning special relativity
SR using only basic algebra and without usual assumptions
SR is a logical consequence of Newtonian mechanics
Welcome to one-dimensional bat-world!
Co-ordinates for bat space time: making a clock
How to measure position
Measuring velocities

Taught by

Insights into Mathematics

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