Showing papers on "Special relativity (alternative formulations) published in 2005"
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TL;DR: In this paper, the same experimental measurement that puzzled Einstein and his contemporaries is forcing us to question our understanding of how quantum matter transforms at ultra-low temperatures, as well as how quantum theory of solids transforms at low temperatures.
Abstract: As we mark the centenary of Albert Einstein's seminal contribution to both quantum mechanics and special relativity, we approach another anniversary--that of Einstein's foundation of the quantum theory of solids But 100 years on, the same experimental measurement that puzzled Einstein and his contemporaries is forcing us to question our understanding of how quantum matter transforms at ultra-low temperatures
478 citations
TL;DR: In a series of publications that included his doctoral thesis, Einstein derived an equation for Brownian motion from microscopic principles, a feat that ultimately enabled Jean Perrin and others to prove the existence of atoms as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: AS ALL of us are no doubt aware, this year has been declared "world year of physics" to celebrate the three remarkable breakthroughs made by Albert Einstein in 1905. However, it is not so well known that Einstein's work on Brownian motion – the random motion of tiny particles first observed and investigated by the botanist Robert Brown in 1827 – has been cited more times in the scientific literature than his more famous papers on special relativity and the quantum nature of light. In a series of publications that included his doctoral thesis, Einstein derived an equation for Brownian motion from microscopic principles – a feat that ultimately enabled Jean Perrin and others to prove the existence of atoms (see Physics World January pp19–22).
391 citations
Book•
01 Jan 2005
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the history of the Lorentz transformations in special relativity and quantum theory, including the trailblazers of Albert Keinstein and his followers.
Abstract: 1 Overview 2 The physics of coordinate transformations 3 The relativity principle and the fable of Albert Keinstein 4 The trailblazers 5 Einstein's principle-theory route to the Lorentz transformations 6 Variations on the Einstein theme 7 Unconventional voices on special relativity 8 What is special relativity? 9 The view from general relativity APPENDICES A Einstein on general covariance B Special relativity and quantum theory
345 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the same experimental measurement that puzzled Einstein and his contemporaries is forcing us to question our understanding of how quantum matter transforms at ultra-low temperatures, as well as the quantum theory of solids.
Abstract: As we mark the centenary of Albert Einstein's seminal contribution to both quantum mechanics and special relativity, we approach another anniversary - that of Einstein's foundation of the quantum theory of solids. But 100 years on, the same experimental measurement that puzzled Einstein and his contemporaries is forcing us to question our understanding of how quantum matter transforms at ultra-low temperatures.
174 citations
168 citations
TL;DR: Two subtleties of this paper are discussed, one of which is the importance of knowing the response of the immune system to foreign substances and the other is the role of language.
Abstract: Two subtleties of this paper are discussed.
68 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a consistent framework to interpret Deformed Special Relativity (DSR) physics, which allows the resolution of the soccer ball problem and provides a physical interpretation of the non-commutativity and non-associativity of the addition the relativistic quadrimomentum.
Abstract: In many different ways, Deformed Special Relativity (DSR) has been argued to provide an effective limit of quantum gravity in almost-flat regime. Unfortunately, DSR is up to now plagued by many conceptual problems (in particular how it describes macroscopic objects) which forbids a definitive physical interpretation and clear predictions. Here we propose a consistent framework to interpret DSR. We extend the principle of relativity: the same way that Special Relativity showed us that the definition of a reference frame requires to specify its speed, we show that DSR implies that we must also take into account its mass. We further advocate a 5dimensional point of view on DSR physics and the extension of the kinematical symmetry from the Poincar´ group to the Poincar´ e-de Sitter group (ISO(4;1)). This leads us to introduce the concept of a pentamomentum and to take into account the renormalization of the DSR deformation parameter •. This allows the resolution of the “soccer ball problem” (definition of many-particle-states) and provides a physical interpretation of the non-commutativity and non-associativity of the addition the relativistic quadrimomentum.
57 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a physical interpretation for the deformed (doubly) special relativity theories (DSRs), based on a modification of the theory of measurement in special relativity, is developed.
Abstract: In this article we develop a physical interpretation for the deformed (doubly) special relativity theories (DSRs), based on a modification of the theory of measurement in special relativity. We suggest that it is useful to regard the DSRs as reflecting the manner in which quantum gravity effects induce Planck-suppressed distortions in the measurement of the 'true' energy and momentum. This interpretation provides a framework for the DSRs that is manifestly consistent, nontrivial, and in principle falsifiable. However, it does so at the cost of demoting such theories from the level of fundamental physics to the level of phenomenological models - models that should in principle be derivable from whatever theory of quantum gravity one ultimately chooses to adopt.
54 citations
TL;DR: The field equations of general relativity are derived from a limit to force or to power in nature as mentioned in this paper, and the limits have the value of c4/4G and c5/ 4G.
Abstract: The field equations of general relativity are shown to derive from a limit to force or to power in nature. The limits have the value of c4/4G and c5/4G. The proof makes use of a result of Jacobson. All known experimental data are consistent with the limits. Applied to the universe, the limits predict its darkness at night and the observed scale factor. Other experimental tests of the limits are proposed. The main counterarguments and paradoxes are discussed, such as the transformation under boosts, the force felt at a black hole horizon, the mountain problem, and the contrast to scalar–tensor theories of gravitation. The resolution of the paradoxes also clarifies why the maximum force and the maximum power have remained hidden for so long. The derivation of the field equations shows that the maximum force or power plays the same role for general relativity as the maximum speed plays for special relativity.
51 citations
TL;DR: Asymptotic freedom was developed as a response to two paradoxes: the weirdness of quarks, and in particular their failure to radiate copiously when struck; and the coexistence of special relativity and quantum theory, despite the apparent singularity of quantum field theory.
Abstract: Asymptotic freedom was developed as a response to two paradoxes: the weirdness of quarks, and in particular their failure to radiate copiously when struck; and the coexistence of special relativity and quantum theory, despite the apparent singularity of quantum field theory. It resolved these paradoxes, and catalyzed the development of several modern paradigms: the hard reality of quarks and gluons, the origin of mass from energy, the simplicity of the early universe, and the power of symmetry as a guide to physical law.
TL;DR: In this article, the special relativity can be viewed as the physics in an inverse Wick rotation of four-dimensional (413) Euclid space, which is at almost equal footing with the 4D Riernann/Lobachevski space, and there is an instanton tunnelling scenario in the Riemann-de Sitter case that may explain why A be positive and link with the multiverse.
Abstract: Since the special relativity can be viewed as the physics in an inverse Wick rotation of four-dimensional (413) Euclid space, which is at almost equal footing with the 4D Riernann/Lobachevski space, there should be important physics in the inverse Wick rotation of 4D Riemann/Lobachevski space. Thus, there are three kinds of special relativity in de Sitter(dS)/Minkowski/anti-de Sitter(AdS) space at almost equal footing, respectively. There is an instanton tunnelling scenario in the Riemann-de Sitter case that may explain why A be positive and link with the multiverse.
01 Jan 2005
TL;DR: In this article, the authors give plausibility arguments for deriving the number of elementary particles of the standard model from general relativity and maximally symmetric spaces, and show that this is possible.
Abstract: The essay gives plausibility arguments for deriving the number of elementary particles of the standard model from general relativity and maximally symmetric spaces.
01 Jan 2005
TL;DR: In this paper, a partly pedagogical, partly historical and partly technical review of special relativity and its experimental foundations is presented in honor of the centenary of Einstein's annus mirabilis.
Abstract: This article is a partly pedagogical, partly historical and partly technical review of special relativity and its experimental foundations, in honor of the centenary of Einstein's annus mirabilis.
TL;DR: In this paper, the special relativity can be viewed as the physics in an inverse Wick rotation of 4d Euclid space, which is at almost equal footing with the 4d Riemann/Lobachevski space.
Abstract: Since the special relativity can be viewed as the physics in an inverse Wick rotation of 4-d Euclid space, which is at almost equal footing with the 4-d Riemann/Lobachevski space, there should be important physics in the inverse Wick rotation of 4-d Riemann/Lobachevski space. Thus, there are three kinds of special relativity in de Sitter/Minkowski/anti-de Sitter space at almost equal footing, respectively. There is an instanton tunnelling scenario in the Riemann-de Sitter case that may explain why $\La$ be positive and link with the multiverse.
01 Jun 2005
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the block universe view is the only one that is consistent with special relativity, and they argue that special relativity alone can resolve the debate on whether the world is three-dimensional or four-dimensional.
Abstract: This paper pursues two aims. First, to show that the block universe view, regarding the universe as a timelessly existing four-dimensional world, is the only one that is consistent with special relativity. Second, to argue that special relativity alone can resolve the debate on whether the world is three-dimensional or four-dimensional. The argument advanced in the paper is that if the world were three-dimensional the kinematic consequences of special relativity and more importantly the experiments confirming them would be impossible.
TL;DR: In this article, the angular diameter distance and the luminosity distance in the Milne model were derived for supernovae Ia using the special relativistic Doppler formula for redshift.
Abstract: Based on the magnitude–redshift diagram for the sample of supernovae Ia analyzed by Perlmutter et al. (1999), Davis & Lineweaver (2004) ruled out the special relativistic interpretation of cosmological redshifts at a confidence level of 23σ. Here, we critically reassess this result. Special relativity is known to describe the dynamics of an empty universe, by means of the Milne kinematic model. Applying only special relativistic concepts, we derive the angular diameter distance and the luminosity distance in the Milne model. In particular, in this model we do not use the underlying metric in its Robertson–Walker form, so our exposition is useful for readers without any knowledge of general relativity. We do however, explicitly use the special relativistic Doppler formula for redshift. We apply the derived luminosity distance to the magnitude–redshift diagram for supernovae Ia of Perlmutter et al. (1999) and show that special relativity fits the data much better than that claimed by Davis & Lineweaver. Specifically, using these data alone, the Milne model is ruled out only at a 2σ level. Alhough not a viable cosmological model, in the context of current research on supernovae Ia it remains a useful reference model when comparing predictions of various cosmological models.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors derived the three-dimensional velocity and acceleration transformations of special relativity from a set of thought experiments, facilitated by the use of an enhanced particle-light clock and employing simple physical arguments based on kinematic considerations and the principle of relativity.
Abstract: I derive the three-dimensional velocity and acceleration transformations of special relativity from a set of thought experiments. These derivations are facilitated by the use of an enhanced particle-light clock and employ simple physical arguments based on kinematic considerations and the principle of relativity. The derivations are conceptually simpler, more intuitive, and less abstract, and require significantly less background and preparatory effort than the usual derivations employing the Lorentz transformation. They also serve to emphasize the directness and immediacy of the connection between the principle of relativity and its physical consequences.
TL;DR: A more constructive account of the behavior of moving rods and clocks, based on the detailed physics governing their microscopic constitution, was unavailable in the early days of relativistic kinematics as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: When Einstein formulated his 1905 treatment of relativistic kinematics, the template in his mind was thermodynamics. This was because a more desirable 'constructive' account of the behaviour of moving rods and clocks, based on the detailed physics governing their microscopic constitution, was unavailable. The price to be paid was appreciated by Einstein and a handful of others since 1905.
TL;DR: In this paper, the existence of solutions to the elastic field equations for small angular velocity was proved for both nonrelativistically and in special relativity, assuming a body to be in its natural state in the absence of rotation.
Abstract: We consider elastic bodies in rigid rotation, both nonrelativistically and in special relativity. Assuming a body to be in its natural state in the absence of rotation, we prove the existence of solutions to the elastic field equations for small angular velocity.
TL;DR: In this article, a first-order purely frame-formulation of general relativity is obtained in the gauge natural bundle framework, where a new space is introduced and a first order purely frameformulation is obtained.
Abstract: In the gauge natural bundle framework, a new space is introduced and a first-order purely frame-formulation of general relativity is obtained.
Book•
26 Jan 2005
TL;DR: The Inseparability of Geometry and Physics in Experience as discussed by the authors is the main problem in presenting the work of Einstein to the physicist is to enable him to see how obstinately metaphysical he is.
Abstract: HERE is a readable book, excellently translated, for which we have again to thank Mr. H. L. Brose. Though it is called an introduction to the theory of relativity and gravitation, it is more strictly an essay on “The Inseparability of Geometry and Physics in Experience,” to quote the title of its fifth chapter. The main problem in presenting the work of Einstein to the physicist is to enable him to see how obstinately metaphysical he is.Space and Time in Contemporary Physics: An Introduction to the Theory of Relativity and Gravitation.By Prof. Moritz Schlick. Rendered into English by Henry L. Brose. With an introduction by Prof. F. A. Lindemann. Pp. xi + 89. (Oxford: At the Clarendon Press, 1920.)Price 6s. 6d. net.
28 Jan 2005
Posted Content•
TL;DR: The use of relativistic mass is inconsistent with the geometrical formulation of special relativity as discussed by the authors, and it is argued that the oft-held view that formulations of relativity with and without relativism are equivalent is incorrect.
Abstract: The concept of velocity dependent mass, relativistic mass, is examined and is found to be inconsistent with the geometrical formulation of special relativity. This is not a novel result; however, many continue to use this concept and some have even attempted to establish it as the basis for special relativity. It is argued that the oft-held view that formulations of relativity with and without relativistic mass are equivalent is incorrect. Left as a heuristic device a preliminary study of first time learners suggest that misconceptions can develop when the concept is introduced without basis. In order to gauge the extent and nature of the use of relativistic mass a survey of the literature on relativity has been undertaken. The varied and at times self-contradicting use of this concept points to the lack of clear consensus on the formulation of relativity. As geometry lies at the heart of all modern representations of relativity, it is urged, once again, that the use of the concept at all levels be abandoned.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: A more constructive account of the behavior of moving rods and clocks, based on the detailed physics governing their microscopic constitution, was unavailable in the early days of relativistic kinematics as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: When Einstein formulated his 1905 treatment of relativistic kinematics, the template in his mind was thermodynamics. This was because a more desirable 'constructive' account of the behaviour of moving rods and clocks, based on the detailed physics governing their microscopic constitution, was unavailable. The price to be paid was appreciated by Einstein and a handful of others since 1905.
Posted Content•
TL;DR: In this paper, an orbiting ''photon clock'' is proposed to test directly the relativity of simultaneity of special relativity by comparison of the arrival times at a ground station of three microwave signals transmitted by two satellites following the same low Earth orbit.
Abstract: An orbiting `photon clock' is proposed to test directly the relativity of simultaneity of special relativity. This is done by comparison of the arrival times at a ground station of three microwave signals transmitted by two satellites following the same low Earth orbit.
TL;DR: In this paper, the relation between principle of special relativity and cosmological principle, as well as the Beltrami-de Sitter-Lu puzzle on de Sitter/anti-deSitter spacetimes in Einstein's framework of relativity are analyzed.
Abstract: The puzzle on the relation between principle of special relativity and cosmological principle, as well as the Beltrami-de Sitter-Lu puzzle on de Sitter/anti-de Sitter spacetimes in Einstein's framework of relativity are analyzed. It is possible to generalize the principle of special relativity to the spacetimes with constant curvature and to establish the kinematics and particle dynamics for the special relativity in de Sitter/anti-de Sitter spacetimes with Beltrami metric. In such a Beltrami system by the Beltrami coordinate simultaneity is just an inertial system, the corresponding ob servers are inertial observers, the inertial law is valid for test particles and light signals, and observables can be well defined which conserve and satisfy the generalized Einstein's formula. In addition to the Beltrami coordinate simultaneity there is also the proper-time simultaneity for the comoving observations and thus the Beltrami metric is transformed into the Robertson-Walker-like metric which give's a closed 3-dimensional space and its deviation from flatness is of the order of cosmological constant. Therefore, it turns out that in such a kind of special relativity the relativity principle has an intrinsic affiliation with the "perfect" cosmological principle and without any puzzle. Furthermore, based on the recent astronomical observations, the Mach's principle is restated and it is showed that the cosmological constant acts just as an origin of inertial motions in the de Sitter-invariant special relativity on Beltrami-de Sitter spacetime.