Re: Lorentz transformations - a derivation

From: jem (xxx_at_xxx.xxx)
Date: 01/09/05 

Date: Sun, 09 Jan 2005 08:26:43 -0500

RP wrote:

> jem wrote:
>>
>> Remember this proposed definition? An inertial reference frame is a
>> reference frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at the
>> same rate.
>
>
> There is no such frame in this universe. You could qualify it with
> "in a small region of space".

"Inertial frame" is defined within theory - there's bo need for such a
reference frame to exist in Nature.

> Now suppose, however, that we have an
> inertial source and an inertial detector, but these are located such
> that a galaxy is located between them. This isn't a small region of
> space, and thus even the amended definition fails to correctly define
> inertial frames. If OTOH, you allow extended regions of space, then
> you've taken in the gravitational field of the galaxy, and all
> stationary clocks within that region don't tick at the same rate. Hmmm.
>
> I suggest the alternate, "An inertial reference frame is a reference
> frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at fixed rates wrt
> each other,

There are non-inertial reference frames where stationary clocks tick at
fixed rates wrt each other.

> and at fixed rates wrt the clocks that are stationary wrt
> a second inertial frame".

It's generally not a good idea to use the term being defined within its
definition.

  This is however perfectly equivalent to my
> previous definition.
>
> Richard Perry

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Lorentz transformations - a derivation
    ... >> reference frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at the ... > frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at fixed rates wrt ...
    (sci.physics)
  • Re: Lorentz transformations - a derivation
    ... >> reference frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at the same ... > frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at fixed rates wrt ...
    (sci.physics)
  • Re: Lorentz transformations - a derivation
    ... >> reference frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at the same ... > frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at fixed rates wrt ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: Lorentz transformations - a derivation
    ... >> I'm willing to bet that you cannot define an inertial frame using ... > reference frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at the same ... frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at fixed rates wrt ...
    (sci.physics.relativity)
  • Re: Lorentz transformations - a derivation
    ... >> I'm willing to bet that you cannot define an inertial frame using ... > reference frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at the same ... frame in which all stationary standard clocks tick at fixed rates wrt ...
    (sci.physics)
Quantcast