THE LORENTZ TRANSFORMATIONS VIEWED FROM A NEW ANGLE

Abstract

Special relativity is a subject which seems to defy common sense. The theory is presented from a new point of view as an attempt to help the reader acquire an understanding that relies not only on mathematical consistency but on consistency with common sense as well. The principle of relativity in the derivation of the Lorentz Transformations is replaced by three postulates which are directly connected with certain experiments; their epistemological and physical significance is then exposed. Gedanken experiments are employed to show that the apparent inconsistencies are actually non-contradictory from the points of view of all inertial observers. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0264294

Entities

People

  • Edmond M. Dewan

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Consistency
  • Observers
  • Physical Theories
  • Special Relativity

Readers

  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Theoretical Analysis.