Chapter 3. Concepts of Special Relativity
Published Online: 22 JUN 2009
DOI: 10.1002/9783527627486.ch3
Copyright © 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA
Book Title
Relativistic Quantum Chemistry: The Fundamental Theory of Molecular Science
Additional Information
How to Cite
Reiher, M. and Wolf, A. (2009) Concepts of Special Relativity, in Relativistic Quantum Chemistry: The Fundamental Theory of Molecular Science, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim, Germany. doi: 10.1002/9783527627486.ch3
Publication History
- Published Online: 22 JUN 2009
- Published Print: 14 JAN 2009
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9783527312924
Online ISBN: 9783527627486
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- concepts of special relativity;
- Einstein's relativity principle;
- Lorentz transformations;
- kinematical effects;
- special relativity;
- relativistic dynamics;
- covariant electrodynamics;
- moving charged particles
Summary
Einstein's theory of special relativity relying on a modified principle of relativity is presented and the Lorentz transformations are identified as the natural coordinate transformations of physics. This necessarily leads to a modification of our perception of space and time and to the concept of a four-dimensional unified space–time. Its basic kinematical and dynamical implications on classical mechanics are discussed. Maxwell's gauge theory of electrodynamics is presented in its natural covariant 4-vector form.