Special relativity (alternative formulations)

About: Special relativity (alternative formulations) is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3102 publications have been published within this topic receiving 55015 citations.

Laboratory bounds on Lorentz symmetry violation in low energy neutrino physics

Abstract: Quantitative bounds on Lorentz symmetry violation in the neutrino sector have been obtained by analyzing existing laboratory data on neutron β decay and pion leptonic decays. In particular some parameters appearing in the energy–momentum dispersion relations for νe and νμ have been constrained in two typical cases arising in many models accounting for Lorentz violation.

Defending Einstein: Hans Reichenbach's Writings on Space, Time and Motion

Abstract: Introduction 1. Review of Moritz Schlick's General Theory of Knowledge 2. Einstein's theory of space 3. Reply to H. Dingler's Critique of the Theory of Relativity 4. Report on an axiomatization of Einstein's theory of space-time 5. Reply to Th. Wulf's objections of the general theory of relativity 6. Einstein's theory of motion 7. The theory of relativity and absolute transport time 8. Reply to Anderson's objections to the general theory of relativity 9. Review of Muller's The Philosophical Problems with Einstein's Theory of Relativity 10. The philosophical significance of the theory of relativity 11. Planet clocks and Einsteinian simultaneity 12. On the physical consequences of the axiomatization of relativity 13. Has the theory of relativity been refuted? 14. Response to a publication of Mr. Hj. Mellin.

Polarizable-Vacuum Approach to General Relativity

Abstract: Topics in general relativity (GR) are routinely treated in terms of tensor formulations in curved spacetime. An alternative approach is presented here, based on treating the vacuum as a polarizable medium. Beyond simply reproducing the standard weak-field predictions of GR, the polarizable vacuum (PV) approach provides additional insight into what is meant by a curved metric. For the strong field case, a divergence of predictions in the two formalisms (GR vs. PV) provides fertile ground for both laboratory and astrophysical tests.

Prospective Teachers' Comprehension Levels of Special Relativity Theory and the Effect of Writing for Learning on Achievement

Abstract: In the present study, the comprehension levels of special relativity theory in prospective teachers who take the Introduction to Modern Physics lesson in the faculty of education science teaching department and the effect of writing for learning on their achievement is researched. In the research, a control group pre-test post-test quasiexperimental research model was used. Research data were obtained by using open-ended questions prepared by the researcher. The lesson was conducted in the beginning by using the verbal-written explanation method. Then each student in the experimental group wrote a summary which clearly explains the special relativity theory for a high school student within the framework of the writing for learning activity. By contrast, the control group students solved the problems related to the subject in the course book. A total of 73 students (51 female and 22 male) studying at the second grade in the 2011-2012 academic year participated in the study. The research findings showed that the comprehension levels of special relativity theory in prospective teachers were low; the result obtained by the qualitative and quantitative comparison of the post-test results of the experimental and control groups and their achievement percentage in the exam were in favor of the experimental group. Furthermore, 87.2% of the students who wrote down their opinions about the activity of writing for learning understood the special relativity theory; and the activity of writing for learning was effective in learning the special relativity theory.