dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaThe physics of space and time I: The description of rulers and clocks in uniform translational motion by Galilean or Lorentz transformations
| Authors | J. H. Field |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | physics/0612039 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0612039 |
| License | http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/ |
Abstract
A calculus based on pointer-mark coincidences is proposed to define, in a mathematically rigorous way, measurements of space and time intervals. The connection between such measurements in different inertial frames according to the Galilean or Lorentz transformations is then studied using new, simple, and practical clock synchronisation procedures. It is found that measured length intervals are Lorentz invariant, whereas moving clocks show a universal time dilatation effect. The `relativistic length contraction' and `relativity of simultaneity' effects of conventional special relativity theory are shown to be the consequence of calculational error. Two derivations of the Lorentz transformation from simple postulates, without reference to electrodynamics or any other dynamical theory, are reviewed in an appendix.
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"abstract": "A calculus based on pointer-mark coincidences is proposed to define, in a\nmathematically rigorous way, measurements of space and time intervals. The\nconnection between such measurements in different inertial frames according to\nthe Galilean or Lorentz transformations is then studied using new, simple, and\npractical clock synchronisation procedures. It is found that measured length\nintervals are Lorentz invariant, whereas moving clocks show a universal time\ndilatation effect. The `relativistic length contraction\u0027 and `relativity of\nsimultaneity\u0027 effects of conventional special relativity theory are shown to be\nthe consequence of calculational error. Two derivations of the Lorentz\ntransformation from simple postulates, without reference to electrodynamics or\nany other dynamical theory, are reviewed in an appendix.",
"arxiv_id": "physics/0612039",
"authors": [
"J. H. Field"
],
"categories": [
"physics.gen-ph"
],
"license": "http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/",
"title": "The physics of space and time I: The description of rulers and clocks in uniform translational motion by Galilean or Lorentz transformations",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0612039"
},
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