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Special Theory of Relativity
Free Video Lectures — Pravegaa Education
4 free video lectures on Special Theory of Relativity — from the postulates and Lorentz transformation through velocity addition to problem-solving. Taught by Atul Gaurav (JNU alumnus). Available free on YouTube. Designed for CSIR NET, IIT JAM, GATE, JEST, and TIFR.
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All 4 Lectures — Pravegaa Education Channel
All 4 Special Theory of Relativity lectures are freely available on the Pravegaa YouTube channel. Browse the channel playlist or subscribe to be notified of new lectures added to this topic.
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Free physics lectures for CSIR NET, IIT JAM, GATE, JEST, and TIFR. Subscribe to receive new STR lectures and problem-solving sessions.
4 Lectures
Special Theory of Relativity — Lecture-by-Lecture Breakdown
Each lecture card shows the topics covered, exam relevance, and a direct link to watch on YouTube. Lectures progress from introduction through derivations to problem-solving.
Lecture 1 · 16 Oct 2021
Special Theory of Relativity — Introduction
Topics Covered
- ✓Historical context — Michelson-Morley experiment and the failure of ether theory
- ✓Galilean transformation and its limitations
- ✓Einstein’s two postulates of Special Relativity
- ✓Principle of Relativity — laws of physics identical in all inertial frames
- ✓Constancy of speed of light — second postulate and its consequences
- ✓Concept of simultaneity and its relativity
- ✓Introduction to inertial frames of reference
🎯 Exam Relevance
Postulates and Michelson-Morley experiment appear in CSIR NET Part B and IIT JAM Section A. Understanding postulates is prerequisite for all subsequent STR derivations.
Lecture 2 · Oct 2021
Introduction to Lorentz Transformation
Topics Covered
- ✓Derivation of Lorentz transformation equations from Einstein’s postulates
- ✓x’ = γ(x − vt) and t’ = γ(t − vx/c²) — structure and meaning
- ✓The Lorentz factor γ = 1/√(1−β²) — behaviour as v → c
- ✓Inverse Lorentz transformation
- ✓Time dilation — derivation from Lorentz transformation
- ✓Length contraction — derivation from Lorentz transformation
- ✓Relativity of simultaneity — two events simultaneous in one frame only
🎯 Exam Relevance
Lorentz transformation derivation and direct applications appear annually in CSIR NET Part B, IIT JAM Section B, and GATE Physics NAT questions. The γ-factor calculation is the most common 1-mark question.
Lecture 3 · Oct 2021
Derivation of Relativistic Velocity Addition
Topics Covered
- ✓Derivation of relativistic velocity addition formula from Lorentz transformation
- ✓u’ = (u − v)/(1 − uv/c²) — the velocity addition formula
- ✓Why velocities cannot simply add in Special Relativity
- ✓Case: u = c → u’ = c (speed of light invariant — verification)
- ✓Transverse velocity transformation
- ✓Rapidity — the additive parameter for relativistic velocities
- ✓Physical intuition: why relativistic addition prevents exceeding c
🎯 Exam Relevance
Velocity addition problems are standard in CSIR NET Part B and IIT JAM Section B. The formula is directly applied in particle physics threshold energy problems in GATE and JEST.
Lecture 4 · Oct 2021
Problems on Relativistic Speed
Topics Covered
- ✓Worked numerical on velocity addition — step-by-step solution approach
- ✓Time dilation problems — proper time vs coordinate time
- ✓Length contraction numericals — proper length vs observed length
- ✓Relative speed calculation between two particles moving in opposite directions
- ✓Problems involving light signals and simultaneity
- ✓Identifying proper frame for a given physical scenario
- ✓Exam strategy: which formula to apply when, and how to check answers
🎯 Exam Relevance
Problem-solving sessions are the most practically valuable for exam preparation. CSIR NET Part B has 3–4 direct numerical STR problems every cycle. GATE Physics NAT questions are almost always velocity/energy calculations.
Full Syllabus
Special Theory of Relativity — Complete Topic Map
The 4 lectures on this page cover topics 1–3 (foundation). The complete CSIR NET / IIT JAM STR syllabus spans all topics below. Additional lectures are available on the YouTube channel.
Postulates & Galilean Transformation
Einstein’s two postulates, failure of Galilean transformation, Michelson-Morley experiment
Lorentz Transformation
Derivation, time dilation, length contraction, simultaneity, causality
Relativistic Velocity Addition
Velocity addition formula, rapidity, invariance of c
Relativistic Dynamics
Relativistic mass, momentum p=γmv, kinetic energy, E=mc²
Mass-Energy Equivalence
E²=p²c²+m²c⁴, rest mass energy, binding energy applications
Four-Vectors
4-velocity, 4-momentum, Lorentz invariant quantities, contravariant/covariant
Spacetime Diagrams
Minkowski diagrams, light cone, worldlines, causal structure
Relativistic Doppler Effect
Longitudinal and transverse Doppler, redshift/blueshift
Relativistic Electrodynamics
Transformation of E and B fields, covariant formulation, field tensor
Threshold Energy Problems
Centre-of-mass frame, threshold for particle creation, Q-value
Key Formulas
Special Theory of Relativity — Formula Quick Reference
These 12 formulas cover 95% of all STR numerical questions in CSIR NET, IIT JAM, and GATE. Derive each one — do not merely memorise.
Exam Analysis
STR Question Pattern Across All Major Physics Exams
Special Theory of Relativity is a high-yield topic across all 5 major physics competitive exams. Understanding where it appears helps you prioritise.
FAQ
Special Theory of Relativity — Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lecture 1 cover and who is it for?
How many STR questions appear in CSIR NET and IIT JAM?
Are these lectures available for free?
How should I use these lectures alongside problem practice?
What topics in STR are covered by Pravegaa beyond these 4 lectures?
All STR Resources
Everything Free for Special Theory of Relativity
Special Theory of Relativity — Free Video Lectures for CSIR NET & IIT JAM
Pravegaa Education provides free video lectures on Special Theory of Relativity (STR) for CSIR NET Physical Sciences, IIT JAM Physics, GATE Physics, JEST, and TIFR preparation. The 4-lecture series covers the complete introductory STR syllabus — from Einstein’s postulates and the Michelson-Morley experiment through Lorentz transformation derivations to relativistic velocity addition and numerical problem-solving. All lectures are taught by Atul Gaurav (JNU School of Physical Sciences alumnus) and are freely available on YouTube at @pravegaaEducation.
Special Theory of Relativity is a high-yield topic across all major physics competitive exams — appearing in CSIR NET Part B and C, IIT JAM Sections B and C, GATE Physics NAT, JEST Part B, and TIFR symbolic sections. Mastery of Lorentz transformation, velocity addition, and the energy-momentum relation is essential for scoring in these exams. Book a free demo class to experience Pravegaa’s teaching directly.
Free Lectures Are the Start. Live Classes Are the System.
These free STR lectures give you the foundation. Pravegaa’s live programme gives you PYQ-driven problem solving, weekly doubt sessions, and a complete test series — the system that builds real exam performance. 8,000+ selections, AIR 1 results.
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