Related papers: Relativistic Achilles
There are many books on the classical subject of special relativity. However, after having spent a number of years, both in relativistic engineering and research with relativity, I have come to the conclusion that there exist a place for a…
Based on the principle of relativity and the postulate of invariant speed and length, we propose the theory of special relativity with cosmological constant ${\cal SR}_{c,R}$ if the invariant length whose square is the inverse of the…
It is often taken for granted that on board a rotating disk it is possible to operate a \QTR{it}{global}3+1 splitting of space-time, such that both lengths and time intervals are \QTR{it}{uniquely} defined in terms of measurements performed…
Many authors noted that the principle of relativity, together with space-time symmetries, suffices to derive Lorentz-like coordinate transformations between inertial frames. These contain a free parameter, $k$, (equal to $c^{-2}$ in special…
A careful look at an allegedly well-known century-old concept reveals interesting aspects in it that have generally avoided recognition in literature. There are four different kinds of physical observables known or proclaimed as…
The determination of whether two distant events are simultaneous depends on the velocity of the observer. This velocity dependence is typically explained in terms of the relativity of space and time in a counterintuitive manner by the…
In this paper the analogues of the Lorentz transformations for non-inertial reference frames have been obtained. A common case when the movement speed of one coordinate frame in relation to another one can have time derivatives of higher…
The "twin paradox" of special relativity offers the possibility to make interstellar flights within a lifetime. For very long journeys with velocities close to the speed of light, however, we have to take into account the expansion of the…
Special relativity turns out to be more than coordinate transformations in which the constancy of the speed of light plays the central role between two inertial reference frames. Special relativity, in essence, is a theory of…
The relativistic time is different from the Newtonian one. We revisit some of these differences in Doppler effect, twin paradox, rotation, rigid rod, and constant proper acceleration. ------- La relativeca tempo estas malsama ol la Newtona.…
This work explores a classical mechanical theory under two further assumptions: (a) there is a universal dry friction force (Aristotelian mechanics), and (b) the variation of the mass of a body due to wear is proportional to the work done…
The teaching of special relativity still follows Einstein's original two-postulate approach and thus recreates the relativistic revolution in the minds of students again and again, with all its attendant shocking and mysterious aspects. As…
We consider the problem of uniqueness of certain simultaneity structures in flat spacetime. Absolute simultaneity is specified to be a non-trivial equivalence relation which is invariant under the automorphism group Aut of spacetime. Aut is…
We present a novel paradox in special relativity together with its solution. We call it the four particles paradox. The purpose of this paradox is pedagogical and therefore directed towards students and lecturers of physics. Even if most…
The special theory of relativity has fundamentally changed our views of space and time. The relativity of simultaneity in particular, and the theory of relativity as a whole, still presents significant difficulty for beginners in the…
The generalization of Einstein's special theory of relativity (SRT) is proposed. In this model the possibility of unification of scalar gravity and electromagnetism into a single united field is considered. Formally, the generalization of…
From the customary view the Michelson-Morley experiment is used to expose the failure of the aether theory. The key point in this experiment is the \emph{fringe shift} of the interference pattern. Regularly, the fringe shift calculations…
The twin paradox of the special theory of relativity has given rise to a large body of literature discussing its implications. In its standard form, the traveler changes velocity only at the destination of the trip, so that he appears to…
The principle of invariance of the velocity of light is only valid for the wrong measurements of inertial observers who ignore their own movement and consider themselves at rest. The Langevin (or clock) paradox arises when it is assumed…
Translational invariance requires that physical predictions are independent of the choice of spatial coordinate system used. The time dilatation effect of special relativity is shown to manifestly respect this invariance. Consideration of…