An alternative formulation of Special Relativity is that of MinkoswskiMinkowski, which unifiesunifies space and time into a single (affine) vector space, called spacetime. From the postulate that the spacetime interval between any two points is independent of the frame of reference, the Lorentz transformations can be derived.
The equations of motion for point particles, analogous to Newton's equation, are postulated to be $$ \dot p^\mu=F^\mu $$$$ \dot p^\mu=F^\mu, $$ where the dot denotes differentiation with respect to proper time.
It is possible to combine the postulates of special relativity with those of quantum-mechanics. The resulting framework, called quantum-field-theory, is the most accurate one known to mankind. Examples of quantum field theories (and hence of applications of Special Relativity) include, but are not limited to, quantum-electrodynamics, quantum-chromodynamics, the standard-model of particle-physics, among many others.
- Galileo and EinsteinGalileo and Einstein is a free ebook used as a text for a history of science course. Chapters 23 through 30 discuss special relativity in a very pedagogical manner. Chapters 21 and 22 discuss the speed-of-light and the Michelson-Morley experiment, and help put special relativity into its historical context.
- A.P. French, Special Relativity is a short book treating just special relativity. It includes historical background.
- Kleppner and Kolenkow, An Introduction to Mechanics discusses relativity in chapters 11 through 14. It begins by deriving the Lorentz transformations from mechanical considerations. It also introduces relativistic momentum, four-vectors, and invariances in relativity.
- Marion and Thorton, Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems also introduces relativity from mechanical considerations, in chapter 14. This text also discusses four-vectors, and introduces the lagrangian-formalism of special relativity.
- E. M. Purcell, Electricity and Magnetism is an introductory book in electromagnetism. Chapter 5 uses special relativity to derive the existence of magnetic-fields and the form of the Lorentz force. Appendix A gives a review of special relativity.
- J. D. Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics is a graduate-level book in electrodynamics. Chapter 11 gives a thorough discussion of special relativity, including methods from group-theory. Chapter 12 discusses dynamics and how the lagrangian-formalism and hamiltonian formalism interact with special relativity.
