Web Directory

» A Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation From a Simple Definition of Time
   The fundamental equations of special relativity are derived with only high school algebra and toy universes consisting of moving rulers.
   http://www.everythingimportant.org/relativity/special.pdf

» A Special Relativity Paradox: The Barn and the Pole
   The answer to the famous barn and the pole paradox is that the two doors are never closed at the same time in the runner's frame of reference.
   http://www.math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SR/barn_pole.html

» Commutative Hypercomplex Special Relativity
   Einstein's special relativity is formulated in terms of 4-D commutative hypercomplex mathematics. The traditional results are obtained, but some additional effects are suggested.
   http://home.comcast.net/%7ecmdaven/special.htm

» Derivation of the Lorentz Transformation
   This derivation uses the group property of the Lorentz transformations, which means that a combination of two Lorentz transformations also belongs to the class Lorentz transformations.
   http://www2.physics.umd.edu/~yakovenk/teaching/Lorentz.pdf

» Deriving Relativistic Momentum and Energy
   Expressions for momentum and energy of a relativistic particle may be derived from the composition law for velocities along one spatial dimension.
   http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/physics/0402024

» Deriving Relativistic Momentum and Energy. II.
   The usual relativistic expressions for momentum and kinetic energy are generalized from the one-dimensional to the three-dimensional case.
   http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/physics/0504095

» E=mc²
   An article from the Wikipedia encyclopedia.
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E%3Dmc%C2%B2

» Einstein Light
   A multimedia tutorial on Special Relativity. The introductory level takes 10 minutes, but has links to over 40 explanatory pages giving greater depth and breadth.
   http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/einsteinlight/

» Generalized Relativistic Velocity Addition with Spacetime Algebra
   The general problem of relativistic addition of velocities – and the successive application of noncollinear Lorentz boosts – is addressed.
   http://arxiv.org/ftp/physics/papers/0511/0511247.pdf

» Geometric Algebra for Physicists
   This is chapter 1 of a book by Chris Doran and Anthony Lasenby on geometric algebra, which is the natural mathematics of spacetime.
   http://assets.cambridge.org/052148/0221/sample/0521480221WS.pdf

» How Do You Add Velocities in Special Relativity?
   Here is the formula for adding velocities in special relativity when motion occurs in a single direction.
   http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SR/velocity.html

» How Stuff Works: Special Relativity
   The major principles of special relativity (SR) are discussed in an accessible way, via 5 segments, to help you understand the lingo and theories involved.
   http://www.howstuffworks.com/relativity.htm

» Imaginary In All Directions
   There is a preferred algebra of quaternions and complex numbers that is ideally suited to express the equations of special relativity and classical electrodynamics.
   http://arxiv.org/abs/math-ph/0309061

» Jim Doyle's Special Relativity Pages
   A growing collection of pages on special relativity, including Special Relativity in under 15 Minutes!
   http://www.btinternet.com/~j.doyle/SR/sr1.htm

» Lorentz Contraction and Accelerated Systems
   Lorentz contraction in systems undergoing constant proper acceleration is proven to be completely self-consistent in the context of special relativity.
   http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0301050

» Nothing but Relativity
   There are many ways to derive the Lorentz transformation without invoking Einstein's constancy of light postulate. The path preferred in this paper restates a simple, established approach.
   http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/physics/0302045

» On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies
   Albert Einstein's first paper on relativity, translated here from Annalen der Physik vol XVII 1905 p. 891-921, is of historical interest.
   http://www.fourmilab.ch/etexts/einstein/specrel/www/

» On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies (Part A: Kinematics) by Albert Einstein
   In this annotated version of Einstein's paper, the author attempts to express Einstein's insights in familiar notation and fills in some of Einstein's many missing intermediate steps.
   http://www.sigmapisigma.org/radiations/2005/electrodynamics_fall05.pdf

» On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies (Part B: Electrodynamics), and its Corollary, E=mc², by Albert Einstein
   This is part 2 of Dwight E. Neuenschwander's annotation of Einstein's legendary paper.
   http://www.sigmapisigma.org/radiations/2006/ecp_s06.pdf

» Quaternions in University-Level Physics Considering Special Relativity
   The quaternions are an expansion of complex numbers and show close relations to numerous physically fundamental concepts (e.g. Pauli Matrices).
   http://arxiv.org/ftp/physics/papers/0308/0308017.pdf

» Relativistic Contraction
   Relativists consider it a very important exercise to have students decide how to measure the length of a rapidly moving object.
   http://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~cfadd/1160/Ch27SpRl/ApLrntz.html

» Relativistic Force Transformation
   Formulas relating one and the same force in two inertial frames of reference are derived directly from the Lorentz transformation of space and time coordinates.
   http://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0507099

» Relativity (Kinematics)
   Chapter of a classical mechanics text describes spatiotemporal effects. Includes problems and solutions.
   http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~djmorin/chap11.pdf

» Relativity Tutorial
   An introduction to relativity using space-time diagrams.
   http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~wright/relatvty.htm

» Sagnac Effect, Twin Paradox and Space-Time Topology
   When viewed with an alternative synchronization convention, the Sagnac effect on a rotating disk is purely topological and the rim of the disk is essentially an inertial system.
   http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0403111

» Santa at Nearly the Speed of Light
   An estimate of the speed and distances covered by Santa Claus on Christmas night. The physics is unassailable. The article is hosted on the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory website.
   http://www.fnal.gov/pub/ferminews/santa/

» Simple Derivation of the Special Theory of Relativity Without the Speed of Light Axiom
   Special relativity may be derived just from assuming isotropy, homogeneity and a principle of relativity, without the need to consider the speed of light.
   http://arxiv.org/abs/0710.3398

» Space Measurements on a Rotating Platform
   The age-old puzzling problem of Lorentz contraction on a rotating platform, i.e., Ehrenfest's paradox, is explained in its proper mathematical context.
   http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0309020

» Special Relativity
   Download Christoph Schiller's 1612 page walk through the whole of physics, from classical mechanics to relativity, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, quantum theory, nuclear physics and unification. chapter 2 explains special relativity.
   http://www.motionmountain.net/download.html

» Special Relativity Lecture Notes
   A standard introduction to special relativity where explanations are based on pictures called spacetime diagrams.
   http://www.phys.vt.edu/~takeuchi/relativity/notes

» Special Relativity Without the 2nd Postulate
   It is impossible to formulate an alternative to Special Relativity while obeying the observed symmetries of spacetime and agreeing with the experimental evidence.
   http://tosca.phys.oxy.edu/~alec/Courses/P366/Notes/LTs.pdf

» Synchronization Gauges and the Principles of Special Relativity
   Synchronization functions set the mathematical clocks represented by the Lorentz transformation and resetting these clocks mathematically only produces a theory equivalent to special relativity in predicting empirical facts. 57 pages.
   http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0409105

» The Doppler Shift Equation For An Accelerating Frame of Reference
   The exact equation for the Doppler shift in a uniformly accelerating rocket is derived in two different ways. The first method depends on a functional equation and Einstein’s approximation. The second approach is a direct application of several familiar
   http://www.everythingimportant.org/SDA/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=969

» The Lecture Notes of Dr. R. D. Field
   The online physics course notes for Physics 3063, by Professor Rick Field, University of Florida, is a good summary of many of the useful formulas used in special relativity.
   http://www.phys.ufl.edu/~rfield/PHY3063/

» The Special Theory of Relativity
   Self-tutorial with short essays, questions and answers.
   http://astro.physics.sc.edu/selfpacedunits/Unit56.html

» The Structure of Space-Time Transformations
   This theorem by H. J. Borchers and G. C. Hegerfeldt proves that the constancy of light velocity alone implies the Lorentz group (up to dilatations).
   http://projecteuclid.org/Dienst/UI/1.0/Summarize/euclid.cmp/1103858408

» The Twin Paradox in a Spatially Closed and Bounded Universe
   Spatially compact spacetimes break global Lorentz invariance and define absolute inertial frames of reference.
   http://www.everythingimportant.org/relativity/general.htm

» Time Dilation
   The gamma factor and time dilation can be derived using a very simple clock.
   http://www.pa.msu.edu/courses/2000spring/PHY232/lectures/relativity/dilation.html

» Understanding Special Relativity
   Brief explanation of special relativity, using no more than high-school level mathematics; includes an account of the twin paradox, some remarks on faster-than-light travel, and some material on relativistic mechanics. By Rafi Moor.
   http://www.rafimoor.com/english/SRE.htm

» Uniform Acceleration
   This paper analyzes several simple uniform acceleration problems, including the paradox of John Bell.
   http://www.ph.utexas.edu/~gleeson/NotesChapter13.pdf

» University Lectures on Special Relativity
   Lecture notes on Special Relativity, prepared by J. D. Cresser, Department of Physics, Macquarie University. 44 pages.
   http://www.physics.mq.edu.au/~jcresser/Phys378/LectureNotes/SpecialRelativityNotes.pdf

» Wikipedia: Introduction to Special Relativity
   Encyclopedia article giving a brief outline of the basic concepts of special relativity (including simple formulas).
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Introduction_to_special_relativity

» Wikipedia: Special Relativity
   Online encyclopedia article.
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_relativity