Adding velocities

Special Relativity and Electrodynamics (Spring, 2012)

Lecture Playlist

  1. The Lorentz transformation

  2. Adding velocities

  3. Relativistic laws of motion and E = mc^2^

  4. Classical field theory

  5. Particles and fields

  6. The Lorentz force law

  7. The fundamental principles of physical laws

  8. Maxwell's equations

  9. Lagrangian for Maxwell's equations

  10. Connection between classical mechanics and field theory

April 16, 2012

Professor Susskind starts with a brief review of the Lorentz transformation, and moves on to derive the relativistic velocity addition formula. He then discusses invariant intervals, proper-time and distance, and light cones.

Note: this is only a 1 hour lecture

Topics: 
  • Relativistic velocity addition
  • Double Lorentz transformations
  • Proper time
  • Light cones
  • Four-vectors
  • Four-velocity
References