1. Observation of relativistic effects by a single observer: a geometric interpretation using Loedel diagrams
- Author
-
R D Gianotti and C O Wainmaier
- Subjects
Physics ,Inertial frame of reference ,05 social sciences ,050301 education ,General Physics and Astronomy ,Kinematics ,Special relativity ,Observer (physics) ,01 natural sciences ,Visualization ,Theoretical physics ,symbols.namesake ,Classical mechanics ,0103 physical sciences ,symbols ,Time dilation ,Einstein ,010306 general physics ,Relativistic quantum chemistry ,0503 education - Abstract
The apparent length of a relativistically moving rod and visualization of the Einstein time dilation are studied. The description of events in space-time is given geometrically as viewed from two different inertial frames that are in relative motion with one another. These relativistic phenomena are graphically illustrated using one-dimensional Loedel diagrams. The equations that describe these effects are then deduced using elementary geometry. The aim of this paper is to outline a procedure that complements the standard algebraic presentation of these effects, and show that the kinematic concepts of special relativity can be deduced from the geometry.
- Published
- 2017