Related papers: On the time delay between ultra-relativistic parti…
Einstein's special theory of relativity starts with assumptions about how observations conducted in relatively moving inertial frames must compare. From these assumptions, conclusions can be drawn regarding the laws of physics in any one…
Within the framework of general relativity, we investigate the tidal acceleration of astrophysical jets relative to the central collapsed configuration ("Kerr source"). We neglect electromagnetic forces throughout. The rest frame of the…
We study the late-time dynamics of two particles confined in one spatial dimension and subject to two-body losses. The dynamics is exactly described by a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian that can be analytically studied both in the continuum and…
Information exchanged between observers in the universe typically travels along the null rays of the associated light signals. One may therefore decompose the luminosity distance of a given radiation source along these null geodesics,…
Significant absorption of radiation is usually accompanied by refraction. This is not the case for $\gamma$ rays travelling cosmic distances. We show that the real and imaginary parts of the refraction index are indeed commensurable, as…
We study the implications of time-varying wave mechanics, and show how the standard wave equation is modified if the speed of a wave is not constant in time. In particular, waves which experience longitudinal acceleration are shown to have…
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…
Relativistic free-motion time-of-arrival theory for massive spin-1/2 particles is systematically developed. Contrary to the nonrelativistic time-of-arrival operator studied thoroughly in previous literatures, the relativistic…
A simple, though rarely considered, thought experiment on relativistic rotation is described in which internal inconsistencies in the theory of relativity seem to arise. These apparent inconsistencies are resolved by appropriate insight…
Intracellular processes often rely on the timely encounter of mobile reaction partners, including intermittently motor-driven organelles. The underlying cytoskeletal network presents a complex landscape that both directs particle movement…
The motion of a large, neutrally buoyant, particle, freely advected by a turbulent flow is determined experimentally. We demonstrate that both the translational and angular accelerations exhibit very wide probability distributions, a…
The study of the evolution of the dynamics of a massive or massless particle shows that in special relativity theory, the energy is not conserved. From the law of evolution of the velocity over time of a particle subjected to a constant…
For over a century Minkowskian spacetime has dominated discussions of space contraction and time dilation within special relativity. Brown and Pooley have called into question both the assumptions of Minkowski and the effects his presumed…
Current attempts to probe general relativistic effects in quantum mechanics focus on precision measurements of phase shifts in matter-wave interferometry. Yet, phase shifts can always be explained as arising due to an Aharonov-Bohm effect,…
Tidal forces acting on orbiting bodies arise from inhomogeneities in the gravitational field, generating stresses that can deform or even disrupt these objects. In this work, we analyze relativistic tidal forces associated with ultracompact…
The special theory of relativity is constructed demanding the retention of the rectilinear form of a trajectory and invariance of the wave equation under linear transformations of space and time coordinates. The usual approach to relativity…
Geometrical shock dynamics, also called CCW theory, yields approximate equations for shock propagation in which only the conditions at the shock appear explicitly; the post-shock flow is presumed approximately uniform and enters implicitly…
We model a particle entering a complicated system from free space using an infinite chain of simple harmonic oscillators coupled to a finite, $n$-site cluster. For a particle wavepacket with small wavenumber, an expression for the time…
The special theory of relativity teaches us that, although distinct inertial frames perceive the same dynamical laws, space and time intervals differ in value. We revisit the problem of time contraction using the paradigmatic model of a…
We make a critical comparison of relativistic and non-relativistic classical and quantum mechanics of particles in inertial frames and of the open problems in particle localization at the two levels. The solution of the problems of the…