Special Relativity

2.

The Postulates of Special Relativity

2.1.

The Principle of Relativity (First Postulate)

2.1.1.

Definition of Inertial Reference Frames

2.1.1.1.

Uniform Motion Requirement

2.1.1.2.

Absence of External Forces

2.1.2.

Invariance of Physical Laws

2.1.2.1.

Mechanical Laws

2.1.2.1.1.

Conservation Laws

2.1.2.1.2.

Equations of Motion

2.1.2.2.

Electromagnetic Laws

2.1.2.2.1.

Maxwell's Equations in All Frames

2.1.2.2.2.

Field Transformations

2.1.3.

Implications for Observers in Relative Motion

2.1.3.1.

Equivalence of Observations

2.1.3.2.

No Preferred Reference Frame

2.2.

The Constancy of the Speed of Light (Second Postulate)

2.2.1.

Statement of the Postulate

2.2.1.1.

Universal Constant Value

2.2.1.2.

Independence from Reference Frame

2.2.2.

Independence from Source or Observer Motion

2.2.2.1.

Light Speed in All Inertial Frames

2.2.2.1.1.

Experimental Evidence

2.2.2.1.2.

Theoretical Necessity

2.2.3.

The Universal Speed Limit

2.2.3.1.

No Signal Faster than Light

2.2.3.1.1.

Information Transfer Limit

2.2.3.1.2.

Causal Structure Preservation

2.2.3.2.

Causality and Information Transfer

2.2.3.2.1.

Cause and Effect Relationships

2.2.3.2.2.

Temporal Ordering of Events

Previous

1. Foundations of Relativity

Go to top

Next

3. Kinematic Consequences of the Postulates