Zur Elektrodynamik bewegter Körper

Albert Einstein

Published 26 September 1905 · Annalen der Physik · Journal article

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Summary

In this foundational paper ("On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies") Einstein introduced the special theory of relativity, building physics on two postulates: that the laws of physics are identical in all inertial frames and that the speed of light in vacuum is the same for all observers regardless of the motion of the source. From these he derived the Lorentz transformation kinematically, abolishing the need for a luminiferous ether and showing that simultaneity, lengths, and time intervals are relative to the observer's frame of reference. The work reconciled mechanics with Maxwell's electrodynamics and established time dilation and length contraction as physical consequences of the structure of spacetime.

Key findings

Established the principle of relativity and the constancy of the speed of light as the two postulates from which special relativity follows.
Derived the Lorentz transformation and showed that simultaneity, time intervals (time dilation), and lengths (length contraction) depend on the observer's inertial frame.
Demonstrated that the ether is superfluous and unified the description of moving bodies in mechanics and electrodynamics, including a relativistic velocity-addition law.

Subjects & keywords

Physics special relativity spacetime electrodynamics lorentz transformation simultaneity

Cite this paper

APA

Albert Einstein (1905). Zur Elektrodynamik bewegter Körper. Annalen der Physik. https://doi.org/10.1002/andp.19053221004

BibTeX

@article{einstein1905elektrodynamik,
  author    = {Albert Einstein},
  title     = {Zur Elektrodynamik bewegter Körper},
  journal   = {Annalen der Physik},
  year      = {1905},
  doi       = {10.1002/andp.19053221004},
  url       = {https://doi.org/10.1002/andp.19053221004}
}

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