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| This paper theoretically deduces the invariance of information-wave speed (IIWS) and the general Lorentz transformation (GLT) from the most basic physical properties, then establishes the theory of observational relativity (OR), and unifies Einstein\'s special relativity (SR) and de Broglie\'s matter-wave theory. More than 100 years ago, Einstein proposed the hypothesis of invariance of light speed (ILS) according to the Michelson-Morley experiment; then theoretically deduced the Lorentz transformation from ILS, established his SR, and brought to light the relativistic effects of matter motion. Up till today, however, people still don\'t know why the speed of light is invariant or cannot be exceeded, and why the photon has no rest mass. In fact, the Michelson-Morley experiment does not mean ILS, but does demonstrate an extremely important phenomenon in physical observation: the speed of information wave (IW) is observationally invariant. OR brings to light the cause of ILS formation, and elucidates the origin and essence of relativistic effects: all the relativistic effects are observational effects. OR suggests that, only if light works as IW, can ILS be valid as a special case of IIWS, and can Einstein\'s SR hold true as a partial theory of OR. OR strictly follows Bohr\'s correspondence principle：GLT reduces to Lorentz transfromation when the IW speed is the speed of light; GLT reduces to Galilean transformation if the IW speed is infinite. |
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| Keywords:special relativity; invariance of light speed; relativistic effects; matter waves; rest mass |
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