Inconsistencies in Special Relativity? Sagnac Effect and Twin Paradox
O. Wucknitz [1]
- Institut für Physik, Universität Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais, D-14469 Potsdam, Germany
Abstract
Even in the simple theory of special relativity, the interpretation of
lengths and times is a matter of debate under certain circumstances. I
discuss the twin paradox and effects of light propagation in rotating
systems (Sagnac effect). In both cases a naive interpretation seems to
lead to inconsistencies. The standard textbook argument to "solve"
these problems is that special relativity does not apply to
accelerated systems in the usual way.
I present an interpretation in which standard special relativity holds
exactly locally but not globally along closed world lines. I discuss
an acceleration-free scenario which is exactly equivalent to a rotating
circle, showing that the limitations of special relativity are not a
result of acceleration but of the non-trivial topology.
I have been thinking about these problems for years. A publication on the subject has now been submitted.
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Script last modified on 7 Sep 2010
Last change to this data base entry on 29 Mar 2004