Einsteins Theory of Special Relativity and Time Dilation, Length Contraction, Relativistic Energy

Question 1

Einstein’s Postulates

Answer 1

1) Laws of physics are same in all inertial frames of reference.

2) Speed of light is invariant.

Question 2

Time dilation

Answer 2

To = Stationary frame of reference (observer).
T = other frame of reference.

Two observers moving at different speeds relative to each other would not agree on the time.

Question 3

What are Muons?

Answer 3

High energy particles which strike the surface of the Earth

Question 4

Length Contraction

Answer 4

Length contracts in the direction of motion.

Question 5

Bertozzi’s Experiment

Answer 5

Investigated variation of kinetic energy with speed.

Linear accelerators used to accelerate electrons to a range of energies.

Found that kinetic energies did not follow E=0.5mv^2

Plotted a curve of KE against speed and that closely matched Einstein’s prediction.