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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.
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TL;DR: A new approach to the dynamics of the universe based on work by O Murchadha, Foster, Anderson and the author is presented in this paper, where the only kinematics presupposed is the spatial geometry needed to define configuration spaces in purely relational terms.
Abstract: A new approach to the dynamics of the universe based on work by O Murchadha, Foster, Anderson and the author is presented. The only kinematics presupposed is the spatial geometry needed to define configuration spaces in purely relational terms. A new formulation of the relativity principle based on Poincare’s analysis of the problem of absolute and relative motion (Mach’s principle) is given. The entire dynamics is based on shape and nothing else. It leads to much stronger predictions than standard Newtonian theory. For the dynamics of Riemannian 3-geometries on which matter fields also evolve, implementation of the new relativity principle establishes unexpected links between special relativity, general relativity and the gauge principle. They all emerge together as a self-consistent complex from a unified and completely relational approach to dynamics. A connection between time and scale invariance is established. In particular, the representation of general relativity as evolution of the shape of space leads to a unique dynamical definition of simultaneity. This opens up the prospect of a solution of the problem of time in quantum gravity on the basis of a fundamental dynamical principle.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a teaching package has been developed centered around a relativistic virtual reality, which introduces concepts of special relativity to students in a gamelike environment where users experience the effects of traveling at near light speeds.
Abstract: A teaching package has been developed centered around a relativistic virtual reality. It introduces concepts of special relativity to students in a gamelike environment where users experience the effects of traveling at near light speeds. From this perspective, space and time are significantly different from that experienced in everyday life. We explore how students worked with this environment and how they used this experience in their study of special relativity. Students found the simulation to be a positive learning experience and described the subject area as being less abstract after its use. Students were more capable of correctly answering concept questions relating to special relativity, and a small but measurable improvement was observed in the final exam.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the block universe view is consistent with special relativity and 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
36 citations