UY1: Special Relativity
UY1 special relativity module surface with recommended core sequence, optional derivation extensions, and support routes into crossover modern-physics practice.
Before you begin
UY1 special relativity is about frame discipline: tie every measured quantity to a stated observer frame. Most mistakes come from mixing proper and observed quantities without saying which frame each symbol belongs to.
Learning goals
- Distinguish events, reference frames, invariants, and frame-dependent measurements.
- Derive and interpret time dilation, length contraction, and relativity of simultaneity.
- Use Lorentz transformations while checking low-speed limits and frame conventions.
Lessons
Work through them in order.
Practise and check
Topic reference
Checking a result
Check every result against the low-speed classical limit.
Deeper derivations
H3 Physics covers the full derivations if your course needs them.
- H3 Special Relativity Hub — Full derivations.
- Time Dilation — Proper-time calculations.
- Length Contraction — Proper-length calculations.
- Twin Paradox — Worldline reasoning.