Invariant space-time intervals, clock synchronisation and correct application of Lorentz transformations in special relativity
Abstract
Space-like and time-like invariant space-time intervals are used to analyse measurements of spatial and temporal distances. The former are found to be Lorentz invariant --there is no `relativistic length contraction', whereas the latter exhibit the experimentally confirmed `time dilatation' effect, without, however, `relativity of simultaneity'. It is shown how the spurious predictions of length contraction and relativity of simultaneity arise from the use of inconsistent synchronisation procedures for spatially separated clocks.
Cite
@article{arxiv.physics/0601131,
title = {Invariant space-time intervals, clock synchronisation and correct application of Lorentz transformations in special relativity},
author = {J. H. Field},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0601131},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
8 pages, no figures, no tables. It is shown that relativistic `length contraction' and `relativity of simultaneity' are spurious; the result of inconsistent synchronisation of spatially separated clocks. Errors in Eqns(52) and (56) corrected. v4 Added Note explaining calculational error, text corrections, references updated