Special Relativity

Question 1

Define frame of reference

Answer 1

the abstract coordinate system that defines location of the observer

Question 2

Define inertial frame of reference

Answer 2

any frame of reference with respect to which the acceleration of the object of observation remains zero

Question 3

Define time dilation

Answer 3

the difference of elapsed time between two events as measured by observers moving relative to each other

Question 4

Define proper time interval

Answer 4

the time interval measured in the frame of reference in which the object is at rest

Question 5

Define relativistic time interval

Answer 5

the time interval measured in the frame of reference in which the object is in motion

Question 6

Define length contraction

Answer 6

an observer at rest relative to a moving object would observe the moving object to be shorter along the dimension of motion

Question 7

Define proper length

Answer 7

the length measured in the frame of reference in which the object is at rest

Question 8

Define relativistic length

Answer 8

the length measured in the frame of reference in which the object is in motion

Question 9

Define rest mass

Answer 9

the mass of an object when measured in the same reference frame as the observer

Question 10

Define relativistic momentum

Answer 10

the momentum of an object when measured in the frame of reference in which the object is in motion