What are valid Preferred Frames?

  • Thread starter Varon
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Frames
In summary, the concept of a preferred frame is usually associated with revealing an underlying symmetry of all solutions or of the particular solution being studied. In Newtonian physics, the preferred frames are Galilean inertial frames, while in special relativity, the preferred frames are Lorentz inertial frames. In general relativity, there are no preferred frames covering all of spacetime, but there are local preferred frames in all solutions. In the context of superluminal signalling, having a preferred frame where the signal is transmitted can prevent causality problems. It is possible that a preferred frame for instantaneous signalling across the universe could be a field, such as the Higgs field. However, the theory predicts the same result for any experiment,
  • #1
Varon
548
1
Supposed, for sake of discussions. There are preferred frames.

Could a field (field in the context of higgs field, or other fields) be a preferred frame? What is a valid preferred frame where it is instantaneously to say communication between 100 billion light years distance and not violating causality (because in SR, anything superluminal without preferred frame can have frames where things go backward in time)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
A preferred frame is usually something which reveals an underlying symmetry of all solutions, or of the particular solution being studied.

In Newtonian physics, the preferred frames are Galilean inertial frames. All Galilean inertial frames are equally preferred, so within that class of frames, there are no preferred frames.

In special relativity, the preferred frames are Lorentz inertial frames. All Lorentz inertial frames are equally preferred, so within that class of frames, there are no preferred frames. (These preferred frames are due to the metric field, not the Higgs field.)

In general relativity, there are no preferred frames covering all of spacetime for all solutions. In all solutions, there are local preferred frames which the local Lorentz inertial frames. In some solutions, such as the FRW solution, there is a global coordinate system in which the spatial slices are isotropic and homogeneous, and this coordinate system is in that particular sense "preferred".

In all cases, whether a "preferred" or "non-preferred" frame is used (keep in mind that we have defined several different meanings of those words), the theory predicts the same result for any experiment.
 
  • #3
atyy said:
A preferred frame is usually something which reveals an underlying symmetry of all solutions, or of the particular solution being studied.

In Newtonian physics, the preferred frames are Galilean inertial frames. All Galilean inertial frames are equally preferred, so within that class of frames, there are no preferred frames.

In special relativity, the preferred frames are Lorentz inertial frames. All Lorentz inertial frames are equally preferred, so within that class of frames, there are no preferred frames. (These preferred frames are due to the metric field, not the Higgs field.)

In general relativity, there are no preferred frames covering all of spacetime for all solutions. In all solutions, there are local preferred frames which the local Lorentz inertial frames. In some solutions, such as the FRW solution, there is a global coordinate system in which the spatial slices are isotropic and homogeneous, and this coordinate system is in that particular sense "preferred".

In all cases, whether a "preferred" or "non-preferred" frame is used (keep in mind that we have defined several different meanings of those words), the theory predicts the same result for any experiment.

I'm talking in the context of superluminal signalling. If one can transmit signal faster than light.. it can go backward in time in certain frames of reference. But not so if you have a preferred frame where you transmit the signal. No causality problem would result. Hence, could this hypthetical preferred frame for instantaneous signalling across the universe be a field (field in the sense of higgs field or other field)? What are valid preferred frames in this sense?
 

What are valid Preferred Frames?

Valid Preferred Frames are frames of reference that are considered to be the most useful or convenient for a particular experiment or observation. They are used to describe the motion of objects and the effects of forces in a specific situation.

Why are Preferred Frames important in science?

Preferred Frames are important in science because they allow us to accurately describe the motion of objects and the effects of forces in a specific situation. By choosing a frame of reference, we can simplify complex systems and make predictions about how they will behave.

How do scientists determine what is a valid Preferred Frame?

Scientists determine what is a valid Preferred Frame by considering the purpose of their experiment or observation and selecting the frame of reference that is most relevant and convenient for their specific needs. They may also take into account any external factors, such as the Earth's rotation or the relative motion of objects.

Can there be multiple valid Preferred Frames for the same situation?

Yes, there can be multiple valid Preferred Frames for the same situation. The choice of frame of reference depends on the specific needs and goals of the scientist conducting the experiment or observation.

Do all scientists use the same Preferred Frame?

No, not all scientists use the same Preferred Frame. The choice of frame of reference may vary depending on the field of study, the specific experiment or observation, and the personal preferences of the scientist. However, all valid Preferred Frames should accurately describe the same physical reality.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
835
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
5
Replies
146
Views
6K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
34
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
881
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
1K
Back
Top