For the special theory of relativity, the normalization problem is formulated as the question how observers in constant relative motion may reach an agreement on space and time scales. As the normalization problem does not receive a thorough treatment in the standard development of the theory, two possible solutions called normalization at rest and normalization in motion are suggested. It is shown that normalization in motion makes the validity of the Lorentz transformation the result of mere conventions. The non-conventional approach following from normalization at rest requires an assumption concerning the acceleration of objects. A conceptual distinction between inside and outside observation, together with the analysis of the normalization problem, allows us to formulate an alternative interpretation of special relativity contrasting both the standard interpretation and Lorentz-type interpretations.
It is known that action is invariant in special relativity. The goal of this note is to show that the reverse statement is also correct, that special relativity follows from the postulate that action is invariant under the transformation from one inertial frame to another.
An approach to special relativity is outlined which emphasizes the wave and field mechanisms which physically produce the relativistic effects, with the goal of making them seem more natural to students by connecting more explicitly with prior studies of waves and oscillators.
Simply by assuming the first postulate of Special Relativity and by exploring Gedankenexperiments with electromagnetic forces, we suggest that there is a speed limit in the universe, which can be determined as a relation between vacuum permeability and permittivity. We also derive space contraction and time dilatation without referring to light. Finally, we argue that, based on previous works on the derivation of Lorentz s Transformation without light and from our results, it is possible to transform the epistemological status of the Einstein s second postulate from principle into derivation.
All of the experiments supporting Einstein's Special Relativity Theory are also supportive of the Lorentz ether theory, or many other ether theories. However, a growing number of experiments show deviations from Einstein's Special Relativity Theory, but are supporting more extended theories. Some of these experiments are reviewed and analyzed. Unfortunately, many experiments are not of high quality, never repeated and mostly both. It is proposed that the most promising experiments should be repeated.
The most general transformation connecting inertial frames is derived from rather general and simple assumptions, without the postulate of constancy of the speed of light in vacuo.
Solving special relativity paradoxes requires rigorous analysis of event timing, due to relative simultaneity in consequence of the Lorentz transformation. Since clock synchronisation is a convention in special theory of relativity, instead of the Einstein's procedure one may choose such that offers absolute simultaneity. We present in short the corresponding formalism in one spatial dimension. We show that paradoxes do not arise with this choice of synchronisation and descriptions of these issues are exceptionally simple and consistent for both observers involved.
Arguments are reviewed and extended in favor of presenting special relativity at least in part from a more mechanistic point of view. A number of generic mechanisms are catalogued and illustrated with the goal of making relativistic effects seem more natural by connecting with more elementary aspects of physics, particularly the physics of waves.
In this paper we consider the central force problem in the special theory of relativity. We derive the special relativistic version of the Binet equation describing the orbit of a body. Then, the motion of a planet in a solar-like system where the gravitational potential is modified by adding a term that is proportional to the inverse of the square of the radial coordinate is discussed. Using perturbative method, we obtain the explicit orbital function. At the end, the orbital precession of the planet and its relation to the result from general relativity are also discussed.
In the article, the deformation of special relativity within the frame of conformable derivative is formulated. Within this context, the two postulates of the theory were re-stated. And, the addition of velocity laws were derived and used to verify the constancy of the speed of light. The invariance principle of the laws of physics is demonstrated for some typical illustrative examples, namely, the conformable wave equation, the conformable Schrodinger equation, and the conformable Gordon-Klein equation. The current formalism may be applicable when using special relativity in a nonlinear or di…
A map is discussed that connects, in 1+1 dimensions, Galilei's relativity to Einstein's special relativity. By means of this map it is possible to derive special-relativistic formulas from the corresponding Galilean ones. Beyond being interesting on its own, this map is also significant with respect to a recent debate on the extension of relativistic symmetries to the Planck scale (especially in the framework of the so-called doubly special relativity). The map in fact provides an explicit example of how can be misleading to interpret a mathematical correspondence between two relativity scheme…
Simple physical models of a measuring rod and of a clock are used to demonstrate the contraction of objects and clock retardation in special relativity. It is argued that the models could help in promoting student understanding of special relativity and in distinguishing between dynamical and purely perspectival effects.
We present a novel paradox in special relativity together with its solution. We call it the four particles paradox. The purpose of this paradox is pedagogical and therefore directed towards students and lecturers of physics. Even if most paradoxes in special relativity theory are very interrelated and some are special cases of others, the paradox we present here is original and illuminates on the very nice subject and the literature of special relativity.
The special theory of relativity does not predict the existence of photons (quanta of electromagnetic radiation). However, it is demonstrated here that it follows from the special theory of relativity that if photons do exist---and we know that they do---then their energy must be proportional to their frequency. This means that the Planck-Einstein formula E=hν follows just from some results of the special theory of relativity and the assumption of the particle--wave duality.
We introduce a Lorentz-covariant description of tachyons, free of inconsistencies. Our approach is based on an appropriate extension of the special relativity beyond the light barrier, owing to the freedom of synchronization of distant clocks.
In the special relativity, a rigid rod slides upon itself, with one extremity oscillating harmonically. We discovered restrictions in the amplitude of the motion and in the length of the rod, essential to eliminate unphysical solutions. ------- Cxe la speciala relativeco, rigida stango movigxas sur si mem, kun unu fino oscilante harmonie. Ni malkovris limigajn kondicxojn pri la amplitudo de movado kaj pri la longo de stango, necesegaj por elimini ne-fizikajn solvojn.
