Prof. Leonard Susskind - Special Relativity
These lectures from Prof. Leonard Susskind at Stanford University are part of his celebrated "Theoretical Minimum" series. Susskind, a pioneer of string theory and holography, explains special relativity with exceptional clarity, making Einstein's revolutionary theory accessible to all.
💡 What You'll Learn
- • Why space and time are unified into spacetime
- • How to use Lorentz transformations and Minkowski diagrams
- • The physics behind E = mc² and relativistic collisions
- • How electromagnetism naturally fits into special relativity
- • The foundation needed for general relativity and quantum field theory
Introduction and Galilean Relativity
Historical context of relativity. Galilean transformations and the principle of relativity in classical mechanics. Why Maxwell's equations posed a problem for Galilean relativity.
Video Lecture
Lecture 1: Introduction and Galilean Relativity
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Lorentz Transformations
Einstein's postulates. Derivation of Lorentz transformations from first principles. The geometry of spacetime and invariant intervals. Introduction to Minkowski diagrams.
Video Lecture
Lecture 2: Lorentz Transformations
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Time Dilation and Length Contraction
Consequences of Lorentz transformations: moving clocks run slow, moving rods are contracted. Relativity of simultaneity. The twin paradox explained with spacetime diagrams.
Video Lecture
Lecture 3: Time Dilation and Length Contraction
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Velocity Addition and Acceleration
Relativistic velocity addition formula. Why velocities don't simply add. Proper time and proper acceleration. Four-velocity and its properties.
Video Lecture
Lecture 4: Velocity Addition and Acceleration
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Four-Vectors and Invariants
Four-vector formalism: position, velocity, momentum, acceleration. Invariant products and the metric tensor. Timelike, spacelike, and lightlike intervals. Light cones and causality.
Video Lecture
Lecture 5: Four-Vectors and Invariants
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Relativistic Energy and Momentum
Derivation of E = mc². Relativistic momentum p = γmv. The energy-momentum relation E² = (pc)² + (mc²)². Conservation laws in relativistic collisions.
Video Lecture
Lecture 6: Relativistic Energy and Momentum
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Massless Particles and Photons
Special case of massless particles. Photon energy E = pc and momentum. Compton scattering and photon collisions. Why nothing can travel faster than light.
Video Lecture
Lecture 7: Massless Particles and Photons
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Relativistic Dynamics
Four-force and equations of motion. Relativistic Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations. Charged particles in electromagnetic fields. Connection to classical limit.
Video Lecture
Lecture 8: Relativistic Dynamics
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Electromagnetic Field Tensor
Electric and magnetic fields as components of a tensor. Transformation of E and B fields between frames. Covariance of Maxwell's equations. Four-current and charge conservation.
Video Lecture
Lecture 9: Electromagnetic Field Tensor
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Summary and Path to General Relativity
Review of special relativity's key concepts. Limitations of SR: gravity is not included. Equivalence principle preview. How SR leads to general relativity and curved spacetime.
Video Lecture
Lecture 10: Summary and Path to General Relativity
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🎓 Course Summary
Prof. Susskind's Special Relativity course takes you from Galilean relativity through Lorentz transformations, four-vectors, relativistic mechanics, and electromagnetic field tensors. You'll gain a deep understanding of how space and time work at high velocities, preparing you for general relativity, quantum field theory, and modern particle physics.