14. Introduction to the Four-Vector

For more information about Professor Shankar's book based on the lectures from this course, Fundamentals of Physics: Mechanics, Relativity, and Thermodynamics, visit http://bit.ly/1jFIqNu.Fundamentals of Physics (PHYS 200)The four-vector is introduced that unifies space-time coordinates x, y, z and t into a single entity whose components get mixed up under Lorentz transformations. The length of this four-vector, called the space-time interval, is shown to be invariant (the same for all observers). Likewise energy and momentum are unified into the energy-momentum four-vector.00:00 - Chapter 1. Recap—Consequences of the Lorentz Transformations06:25 - Chapter 2. Causality Paradoxes: "Killing the Grandmother"15:22 - Chapter 3. A New Understanding of Space-Time25:51 - Chapter 4. Introducing the Fourth Dimension and Four-Vector Algebra44:09 - Chapter 5. The Space-Time Interval, or "Proper Time"51:47 - Chapter 6. Deriving the Velocity and Momentum Vectors in Space-Time01:04:40 - Chapter 7. The New Energy-Mass RelationComplete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: online.yale.eduThis course was recorded in Fall 2006. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices