Albert Einstein

Physicist


University of Zurich

Rämistrasse 71
CH-8006 Zürich, Switzerland



Special relativity



In physics, special relativity is the generally accepted physical theory regarding the relationship between space and time. It is based on two postulates: (1) that the laws of physics are invariant (i.e. identical) in all inertial systems (non-accelerating frames of reference); and (2) that the speed of light in a vacuum is the same for all observers, regardless of the motion of the light source. It was originally proposed in 1905 by Albert Einstein in the paper "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies". The inconsistency of Newtonian mechanics with Maxwell’s equations of electromagnetism and the inability to discover Earth's motion through a luminiferous aether led to the development of special relativity, which corrects mechanics to handle situations involving motions nearing the speed of light. As of today, special relativity is the most accurate model of motion at any speed. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special\_relativity)

Publications


On the Relativity Principle and the Conclusions Drawn from It


Albert Einstein

Jahrbuch der Radioaktivität, 1907, pp. 411-462


Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy Content?


Albert Einstein

Annalen der Physik, 1905, pp. 639-641



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