14 Introduction to the Four-Vector

Description: 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. Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: open.yale.edu This course was recorded in Fall 2006.