English

Three Self-Consistent Kinematics in (1+1)D Special Relativity

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology 2009-09-25 v1

Abstract

When introducing special relativity, an elegant connection to familiar rules governing Galilean constant acceleration can be made, by describing first the discovery at high speeds that the clocks (as well as odometers) of different travelers may proceed at different rates. One may then show how to parameterize any given interval of constant acceleration with {\em either}: Newtonian (low-velocity approximation) time, inertial relativistic (unaccelerated observer) time, or traveler proper (accelerated observer) time, by defining separate velocities for each of these three kinematics as well. Kinematic invariance remains intact for proper acceleration since mao=dE/dxm a_o = dE/dx. This approach allows students to solve relativistic constant acceleration problems {\em with the Newtonian equations}! It also points up the self-contained and special nature of the accelerated-observer kinematic, with its frame-invariant time, 4-vector velocities which in traveler terms exceed Newtonian values and the speed of light, and of course relativistic momentum conservation.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.gr-qc/9512012,
  title  = {Three Self-Consistent Kinematics in (1+1)D Special Relativity},
  author = {P. Fraundorf},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:gr-qc/9512012},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

RevTeX, 3 tables and 1 figure available from the author and in prep for a replacement preprint; also http://newton.umsl.edu/~run/

R2 v1 2026-07-22T12:50:55.062Z