The special relativity lectures have been divided into 14 modules, listed below, each with a title and a brief description of its content. It is recommended that these be viewed in the order listed, as each module builds on concepts introduced in previous modules. Clicking on the titles below will reveal an active link to the recorded lecture segment that includes a list of key learning outcomes.
SR-1: Spacetime Diagrams
An introduction to spacetime diagrams – a first step towards understanding Einstein’s special theory of relativity.
SR-2: Spacetime Diagrams for Sound Travelling in Air
Drawing spacetime diagrams of simple thought experiments involving sound in air as a warm up exercise for light in vacuum.
SR-3: The Doppler Shift for Sound
Continuation of a thought experiment from SR-2, leading up to a derivation of the familiar Doppler shift for sound in air.
SR-4: Einstein’s Speed of Light Principle ("Principle 2")
Repeating the experiment from SR-3 using light rather than sound, and understanding what Einstein assumed regarding the speed of light.
SR-5: Einstein’s Relativity Principle ("Principle 1")
Einstein’s Relativity Principle applies to both mechanical and electromagnetic phenomena.
SR-6: Doppler Shift for Light
Deriving the Doppler shift for light, from which all of special relativity follows.
SR-7: Minkoskian Geometry
Space obeys the rules of Euclidean geometry. Spacetime obeys the rules of a new kind of geometry, called Minkoskian geometry.
SR-8: Applications of Minkowskian Geometry
Learning to use Minkowskian geometry to understand, very simply, a variety of aspects of Einstein's spacetime. including how a light particle experiences space and time during its journey from one place to another.
SR-9: Synchronization of Clocks
A discussion of how to synchronize clocks that are separated in space, and how this leads to the relativity of simultaneity.
SR-10: Coordinate Axes and Length Contraction
A discussion of the space and time axes of a moving observer and an introduction to length contraction.
SR-11: Simultaneity and Length Contraction
A continuation of the SR-10 discussion on length contraction. Resolving Principle 2*.
SR-12: Einstein’s Rotating Disk Thought Experiment
Introduction to Einstein's famous rotating disk thought experiment, which he used to help him understand the true nature of gravity.
SR-13: Artificial Gravity Provides Hints about Real Gravity
Analyzing the artificial gravitational field inside a rotating cylinder to discover hints about the nature of real gravitational fields.
SR-14: The Curved Geometry of a Rotating Space
The spacetime diagram of a rotating Bob is analyzed, leading us to conclude that his spatial geometry is curved.
About the Lecturer
Richard Epp has a Masters degree in electrical engineering and a PhD degree in theoretical physics from the University of Manitoba, Canada, and has held postdoctoral research positions around the world working in general relativity (Einstein's theory of space, time, and gravity). With both an engineering and a theoretical physics background, Dr. Epp is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the entire spectrum of physics, from curiosity-driven research in quantum gravity to the applied physics of how a cell phone works. He has extensive outreach experience, having developed many of PI's outreach initiatives - including the ISSYP - and immensely enjoys introducing people of all ages to the mysteries and wonders of our amazing universe.