Category:
Research Papers
Sub-Category:
Relativity Theory
Date Published:
June 5, 2017
Keywords:
Simultaneity, Relativity, Inertial Frames, Speed of Light, Transformation
Abstract:
Einstein gave examples whereby simultaneous events recorded by one inertial observer may not be simultaneous for other inertial observers. This paper eliminates a common misconception. Simultaneous events are confused with separated events occurring at the same coordinate time. Simultaneous events are witnessed by all observers, whether inertial or accelerated, because simultaneous events occur when phenomena collide, merge, overlap, or superimpose into one point at the same instant of time. Chronometric events are separated by a nonzero distance and occur at the same coordinate time of a reference frame. Simultaneous events are witnessed identically by all observers, because an event occurs on a point at one time in any reference frame. Chronometric events occur at identical coordinate times, usually not simultaneous, as the distances to an observer are usually unequal with different arrival times. The mathematics concerning Einstein’s thought experiment is derived. The contradictory results indicate the two relativity postulates should be revised to establish the correct equations in inertial frames to make identical predictions with the proper transformation.
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