Relativity – The Layman’s Guide

Part 1: Historical Background and Special Relativity

Guest Speaker: Nick Odom

Nick starts with a brief description of physical knowledge in the 1890s and the problems that led to relativity, in particular with regard to measuring the speed of light.  He will describe the basic axioms that underpin the theory and the effects on time and distance, including the relevance of inertial frameworks, the Doppler effect and the twin paradox.  Concluding, he addresses the relationship between mass and energy and finishes with an introduction to spacetime.

Nick keeps mathematics very simple and uses plenty of diagrams to explain the main points, making this fascinating topic accessible to everyone. We look forward to seeing you all there.