Question

State the postulates of special theory of relativity.

Answer 1

Hint: These postulates are the basis of theory of relativity. We have two postulates - The Principle of Relativity, and The Principle of Invariant Light Speed. The first postulate deals with the effect of reference in space-time domain and the second postulate establishes the fact that the speed of light is the highest attainable speed for any particle.

Complete step by step answer:
Special theory of relativity is one of the most significant breakthroughs in physics. Albert Einstein proposed this theory in terms of two postulates which we will be discussing.

This theory explains mass-energy equivalence, length contraction, universal speed limit, and relativity of simultaneity.

The two postulates of relativity are as follows -

The Principle of Relativity:
1. “ The states of changed physical systems are not affected, whether these changes of state be referred to the one or the other of two systems in uniform translatory motion relative to each other”
The Principle of Invariant Light Speed:
2. “ Light is always propagated in empty space with a definite velocity c which is independent of the state of motion of the emitting body”

One of the major implications of special theory of relativity is that space and time are not independent of one another and they can be mixed into one another. So, we can consider them as the same object. This implies the following:
A. Time dilation
B. Length contraction

Another implication of the special theory of relativity is the Relativity of Simultaneity. It implies that the sequence of occurrence depends on the observer.

But one of the most significant implications is that it specified the maximum speed an object can travel. No object can attain a speed more than the speed of light. This the direct consequence of the second postulate.

Note: Albert Einstein published the special theory of relativity in one of his papers - “On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies”. You should memorise the postulates of special theory of relativity and the implications. The Special Theory of Relativity is a cornerstone in the domain of relativity.