Final answer:
The two postulates of special relativity are: 1) The laws of physics are the same for all observers in unaccelerated motion. 2) The speed of light in a vacuum is the same for all observers, regardless of their motion relative to the light source.
So, the correct answer is A and B.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two postulates that form the foundation of special relativity are:
- First postulate: The laws of physics are the same and can be stated in their simplest form in all inertial frames of reference.
- Second postulate: The speed of light in a vacuum (c = 3.00 × 108 meters per second) is constant and is the same in all inertial frames of reference, independent of the relative motion of the observer and the light source.
These postulates resulted in groundbreaking perspectives on the nature of time, space, and the interrelation of matter and energy. Furthermore, these postulates lead to phenomena such as time dilation and length contraction, though they are consequences, not postulates themselves.
Complete question:
What are the two postulates special relativity is based on?
A) The laws of physics are the same for all observers in unaccelerated motion.
B) The speed of light in a vacuum is the same for all observers, regardless of their motion relative to the light source.
C) Time dilation occurs when an object is moving at a significant fraction of the speed of light, causing time to pass slower for that object compared to a stationary observer.
D) Length contraction causes objects to appear shorter in the direction of motion when observed by a stationary observer.