Definition:Special Theory of Relativity/Postulates

Definition

The postulates of the special theory of relativity are as follows:

First Postulate

The laws of physics can be expressed in the same mathematical form in all inertial frames of reference.

Hence it is impossible to distinguish between two inertial frames by any physical experiment.

Second Postulate

In free space, every observer in an inertial frame of reference measures the same value of the speed of light relative to the observer.

Hence the speed of light in free space is a universal constant.

Also see

• Results about the special theory of relativity can be found here.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): relativity
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): relativity