scholarly journals Uniform Scaling of Physical Units and the Principle of Rationality of Measurement

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Robert J Buenker ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Special Theory ◽  
Relativity Theory ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Rest System ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Definite Factor ◽  
State Of Affairs ◽  
Uniform Scaling ◽  
Determining Factor

One of the most basic principles in science is the objectivity of measurement of physical properties. According to the special theory of relativity (STR), this ancient principle is violated for observers in relative motion since it predicts that they generally will disagree on the ratios of the lengths of two objects and also on whose clock is running slower at any given time. Both predictions stem from the Lorentz transformation (LT), which is the centerpiece of Einstein's STR. It has recently been pointed out that two of the claims of this theory are mutually contradictory; it is impossible that the rates of two clocks in motion are strictly proportional to one another (time dilation) while one of them finds that two events are simultaneous whereas the other does not (remote nonsimultaneity). This recognition proves that the LT is not a valid component of the relativistic theory of motion, including its well-known thesis that space and time are not distinct quantities. Instead, it has always been found experimentally that the rates of clocks in motion are governed by a Universal Timedilation Law (UTDL), whereby the speed of the clock relative to a specific rest system is the sole determining factor. A simple way of describing this state of affairs is to say that the standard unit of time in each rest frame is different and increases with its relative speed to the above rest system by a definite factor. The measurement process is thereby rendered to be completely objective in nature. A key goal of relativity theory is therefore to develop a quantitatively valid method for determining this factor. It will be shown that the same factor appears in the true relativistic space-time transformation and that it also plays a key role in the uniform scaling of all other physical properties

scholarly journals On the Support that the Special and General Theories of Relativity Provide for Rock’s Argument Concerning Induced Self-Motion and Vice Versa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Michael Snyder
Keyword(s):  
Reference Frame ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Special Theory ◽  
The Other ◽  
Relativity Theory ◽  
Inertial Reference Frame ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Special Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Self Motion

Though Einstein and other physicists recognized the importance of an observer being at rest in an inertial reference frame for the special theory of relativity, the supporting psychological structures were not discussed much by physicists. On the other hand, Rock wrote of the factors involved in the perception of motion, including one’s own motion. Rock thus came to discuss issues of significance to relativity theory, apparently without any significant understanding of how his theory might be related to relativity theory. In this paper, connections between Rock’s theory on the perception of one’s own motion, as well as empirical work supporting it, and relativity theory are explored. Paper available at: https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/9908025v1 .

Early work and the Theory of Electrons

2021 ◽  
pp. 54-75
Author(s):  
A. J. Kox ◽  
H. F. Schatz
Keyword(s):  
Research Program ◽  
World View ◽  
Zeeman Effect ◽  
Special Theory ◽  
Electromagnetic Theory ◽  
Relativity Theory ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
General Audience ◽  
Special Relativity Theory

Chapter 4 contains an overview of Lorentz’s early work in terms accessible to a general audience. It sheds light on his unique place in science and the importance of his ideas, especially in the field of electromagnetic theory (his theory of electrons). A description of physics in the early nineteenth century, highlighting the role of Faraday and Maxwell, is followed by a discussion of Lorentz’s dissertation and his research program, the explanation of the Zeeman effect and the introduction of the electron, as well as the role of the ether. In this context the famous experiment by Michelson and Morley is also discussed, as well as the electromagnetic world view, Einstein’s special theory of relativity, and the question of which theory was to be preferred: Lorentz’s electron theory or Einstein’s special relativity theory?

scholarly journals Design, analysis and reformulation of a didactic sequence for teaching the special theory of relativity in high school

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 3401-1-3401-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Rita Otero ◽  
Marcelo Arlego ◽  
Fabiana Prodanoff
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Special Relativity ◽  
Special Theory ◽  
Careful Analysis ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Relativity Theory ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Galilean Relativity ◽  
Firm Basis ◽  
The Subject

In this work, we design, implement and analyze a didactic sequence for the teaching of the basic topics of special relativity theory in high school. The sequence proposes a series of situations, specially designed to allow the emergence of the central aspects of special relativity. The conceptualization process is investigated from the point of view of the theory of conceptual fields of Vergnaud. By means of a careful analysis of classroom student productions we detect the key theorems-in-action they use, evidencing that most of conceptual errors are of pre-relativistic nature. This leads us to a reformulation of the sequence, which promotes the conceptualization of Galilean relativity and the principles of the special relativity. This previous step aims at bringing to students a firm basis to address the more complex aspects of the subject.

PHYSICS: ITS DEVELOPMENT AND PHILOSOPHY

1989 ◽  
Vol 04 (18) ◽  
pp. 4643-4733
Author(s):  
TA-YOU WU
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Particle Physics ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Special Theory ◽  
Relativity Theory ◽  
Classical Dynamics ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Newtonian Physics ◽  
Elementary Particle Physics ◽  
Thermodynamics And Statistical Mechanics

We attempt to review the development of physics in its historical order: classical dynamics; optics and electromagnetic theory followed naturally by the special theory of relativity; the general theory of relativity; from another direction, the kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics which led to the discovery of the quantum theory; atomic physics that led to quantum mechanics; the theoretical and experimental studies of elementary particle physics. Some efforts were made to bring out the basic concepts in these theories and their changes, namely, the abandoning of the absolute time and simultaneity, simultaneous exact knowledge of position and momentum of a particle and determinism of Newtonian physics in the relativity theory and quantum mechanics; the concept of quantized field and unified fields. The interplay between experiments and theories in the development of physics was summarized by a table at the end of the article.

Einstein, Albert (1879–1955)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Sheehan
Keyword(s):  
Field Theory ◽  
Classical Mechanics ◽  
Modern Science ◽  
Special Theory ◽  
Relativity Theory ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Dimensional Spacetime ◽  
Energy Equivalence ◽  
Theoretical Physicist ◽  
Nobel Prize In Physics

Born in Ulm, Württemberg (now Germany), Einstein was a theoretical physicist who initiated a scientific revolution with his theory of general relativity. Challenging classical mechanics and its basis in Newtonian science, Einstein replaced the Euclidean model of geometry with four-dimensional spacetime and, from the axiom of the absolute speed of light, logically deduced the relativity of time. Subsequent to the advent of relativity theory, there is no longer any absolute temporal metric for defining the real. Einstein published two seminal papers, "Zur Elektrodynamik bewegter Körper" (1905; "The Special Theory of Relativity") and "Die Grundlage der allgemeinen Relativitätstheorie" (1916; "The General Theory of Relativity"), and in 1921 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. His name and iconic visage have become synonymous with modern science, leaving an ineradicable imprint on 20th-century culture far beyond the enclaves of scientific research, a status partly achieved by his willingness to popularize his work. Einstein made lasting contributions to gravitational field theory, astrophysics and quantum mechanics, and much fame has accrued around his groundbreaking formula E = mc2, with its articulation of mass-energy equivalence. But it is with the theory and concept of time-relativity that Einstein’s thought crosses over into cultural and aesthetic modernism.

scholarly journals Cosmological Special Theory of Relativity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangwha Yi
Keyword(s):  
Wave Equation ◽  
Electromagnetic Wave ◽  
Special Relativity ◽  
Maxwell Equations ◽  
Special Theory ◽  
Relativity Theory ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Special Theory Of Relativity ◽  
And Function ◽  
Special Relativity Theory

In the Cosmological Special Relativity Theory, we study Maxwell equations, electromagnetic wave equation and function.

scholarly journals Derivations of Time Dilation using Two Different Lorentz-Type Transformations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Robert J Buenker ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Special Theory ◽  
Time Dilation ◽  
Relativity Theory ◽  
Relativistic Velocity ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Special Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Velocity Transformation ◽  
Length Contraction ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Self Consistent

The Lorentz transformation (LT) of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity (STR) leads to the prediction of time dilation and length contraction in moving rest frames. In addition, the relativistic velocity transformation (RVT) is derived from the LT by simply taking the ratios of its space and time coordinates, and this in turn guarantees satisfaction of Einstein's light-speed constancy postulate. The Global Positioning Transformation (GPS-LT) is similar to the LT but differs from it in a significant way, namely it does not lead to the space-time mixing characteristic of the LT. The way in which time dilation is derived from both transformations is compared and it is shown that only the GPS-LT is self-consistent with respect to this key prediction of relativity theory

scholarly journals Informal Teaching of Special Theory of Relativity

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jindřiška Svobodová ◽  
Jan Novotný ◽  
Jana Jurmanová
Keyword(s):  
Science Teachers ◽  
Special Theory ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Relativity Theory ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Special Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Present Case Study ◽  
Prospective Science Teachers

In the present Case Study we explore the comprehension levels of relativity theory in prospective science teachers who take the introduction to physics lesson at the Faculty of Education. Special Theory of Relativity multimedia animation was used to illustrate basic relativistic consequences. The effect of it for learning was researched. In the research, a case study was used. Research data were obtained by interviews and using open-ended questions prepared by the researcher.

3. Relativity and its philosophy

2021 ◽  
pp. 42-72
Author(s):  
David Wallace
Keyword(s):  
General Theory ◽  
Special Theory ◽  
Relativity Theory ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
General Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Special Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Speed Of Light ◽  
Newtonian Physics ◽  
Time And Motion ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter discusses how relativity theory affects our ideas about space, time, and motion. The special theory of relativity does not introduce the idea that motion is relative: it combines that idea, already present in Newtonian physics, with the idea that the speed of light does not depend on the motion of the source. This combination has surprising consequences: that moving clocks run slow; that moving rods shrink. This is apparently in flat contradiction with the relativity principle. The resolution of this paradox looks very different depending on one’s view of what spacetime is: is it simply a codification of physics, or can it do explanatory work in its own right. Thus the paradox lets us get clearer on what is at stake in these questions about the nature of spacetime. Relativity also imperils the idea that simultaneity—the relationship between two events when they occur at the same time—is relative and/or conventional. The epilogue of the chapter briefly discusses the general theory of relativity.

Special theory of relativity and the Sagnac effect

1988 ◽  
Vol 156 (9) ◽  
pp. 137-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anatolii A. Logunov ◽  
Yu.V. Chugreev
Keyword(s):  
Special Theory ◽  
Sagnac Effect ◽  
Theory Of Relativity ◽  
Special Theory Of Relativity
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