English

Relativistic velocity space, Wigner rotation and Thomas precession

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology 2015-06-25 v1 Mathematical Physics math.MP Classical Physics

Abstract

We develop a relativistic velocity space called \emph{rapidity space} from the single assumption of Lorentz invariance, and use it to visualize and calculate effects resulting from the successive application of non-colinear Lorentz boosts. In particular, we show how rapidity space provides a geometric approach to Wigner rotation and Thomas precession in the same way that spacetime provides a geometrical approach to kinematic effects in special relativity.

Cite

@article{arxiv.gr-qc/0501070,
  title  = {Relativistic velocity space, Wigner rotation and Thomas precession},
  author = {John A. Rhodes and Mark D. Semon},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:gr-qc/0501070},
  year   = {2015}
}

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