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Glossary
Definitions of scientific and historical terms used on this site.
Theoretical Physics
Special Relativity
A physics theory developed in 1905 that unifies space and time into a four-dimensional continuum called space-time. It is based on two postulates: the laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames, and the speed of light in a vacuum is constant for all observers.
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Special Relativity - WikipediaSpace-Time
A four-dimensional continuum (three spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension) in which all physical events occur. Central to special and general relativity, space-time replaces the Newtonian view of space and time as separate, absolute entities.
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Space-Time - WikipediaLorentz Transformations
A set of mathematical equations that describe how the spatial and temporal coordinates of an event change from one inertial frame to another. Developed by Hendrik Lorentz, these transformations are fundamental to special relativity and replace the classical Galilean transformations.
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Lorentz Transformations - WikipediaSpeed of Light
The universal constant denoted "c", equal to 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. It is the maximum speed at which information and matter can travel in the universe. Its constancy in all inertial frames is one of the fundamental postulates of special relativity.
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Speed of Light - WikipediaHistory of Science
Matthew Effect
A bias of denial or systematic minimization of women scientists' contributions to research, where their work is often attributed to male colleagues. Named by historian Margaret W. Rossiter in 1993 in honor of Matilda Joslyn Gage.
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Matthew Effect - Wikipedia