Basic Relativity: An Introductory EssayThis Brief presents a new way of introducing relativity theory, in which perplexing relativistic effects such as time dilation and Lorentz contraction are explained prior to the discussion of Lorentz-transformation. The notion of relativistic mass is shown to contradict the spirit of relativity theory and the true significance of the mass-energy relation is contrasted with the popular view of it. The author discusses the twin paradox from the point of view of both siblings. Last but not least, the fundamentals of general relativity are described, including the recent Gravity Probe B experiment. |
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¼ dt ¼ F ¼ T0 acceleration suppression According Alice angular velocity Assume attached axes calculation consequence constant coordinate system corresponding dilation direction distance Doppler-effect ds ¼ Ds2 ¼ Dt ¼ Earth Einstein emitter equal equation of motion equivalence expression ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi formula frequency geodesic given gravitational mass gravitational red shift gyroscopes hyperbolas c2t2 inertial frame instantaneous rest frame kinetic energy length light signals light speed light velocity Lorentz contraction Lorentz-transformations mass–energy relation measured Michelson–Morley experiment Minkowski coordinates momentum moving body Newtonian physics number of cars observed obtain orbit origin pair of events precession primed reference frames relativistic mass relativity of simultaneity relativity theory remains respect rest energy rotating disc Sect slower spacetime coordinates spacetime diagrams special relativity spin axis standard setting synchronization t-axis thought experiment train trajectory transformations twin paradox unprimed coordinates valid velocity addition world lines x-axis x2 ¼ zero