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Physics HL

Chapter 6: Relativity

Build special relativity from reference frames and Einstein's postulates, then apply Lorentz transformations, time dilation, length contraction, velocity addition, and spacetime diagrams to interpret real measurements.

Estimated chapter time: 125 minutes

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  1. 1How to Read This Relativity Chapter
    1. 1.1Why Relativity Starts with Measurement
    2. 1.2Reference Frames, Events, and Inertial Motion
    3. 1.3Chapter Roadmap
  2. 26.1 Postulates and Lorentz Transformations
    1. 2.1From Galilean Intuition to Einstein's Postulates
    2. 2.2Lorentz Transformations and Gamma
    3. 2.3Invariant Spacetime Interval
  3. 36.2 Time Dilation and Length Contraction
    1. 3.1Proper Time as a Local Clock Reading
    2. 3.2Proper Length and Contraction Along Motion
    3. 3.3Evidence: Muons and Precision Timing
  4. 46.3 Velocity Addition and Simultaneity
    1. 4.1Relativistic Velocity Addition
    2. 4.2Relativity of Simultaneity
    3. 4.3Frame Logic for Simultaneity Experiments
  5. 56.4 Spacetime Diagrams and Causality
    1. 5.1Worldlines and the ct Axis
    2. 5.2Primed Axes and Non-Euclidean Intuition
    3. 5.3Reading Simultaneity on Minkowski Grids
    4. 5.4Light Cones and Causal Ordering
  6. 6Chapter 6 Wrap-Up
    1. 6.1A Reliable Problem-Solving Sequence

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How to Read This Relativity Chapter