Can Special Relativity Explain Accelerating Reference Frames?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the treatment of accelerating reference frames within the context of Special Relativity (SR). Participants are exploring the theoretical implications and resources available for understanding non-inertial frames and their effects, such as the non-constancy of the speed of light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that SR can handle non-inertial reference frames and mention interesting effects associated with them.
  • One participant points to Rindler's book as a potential resource for understanding accelerating frames in SR.
  • Another participant highlights MTW's "Gravitation" as a thorough treatment of accelerated observers, noting that it employs tensors, which they believe aids in transitioning to General Relativity (GR).
  • There is a question regarding whether MTW discusses accelerating frames specifically from an SR perspective.
  • A participant references a specific section in Rindler's book that purportedly contains a derivation of Rindler coordinates, suggesting it may be relevant to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the availability of resources or the treatment of accelerating frames in SR, with some expressing uncertainty about the content of Rindler's book and others affirming the value of MTW's text.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the completeness of the resources mentioned, particularly in relation to the treatment of accelerating reference frames in SR.

ralqs
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So apparently SR can handle non-inertial reference frames, and there are supposedly some interesting effects that come about, like non-constancy of the speed of light. I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find a treatment of accelerating frames in SR (like a textbook)?
 
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MTW's "Gravitation" has a good and very thorough treatment of accelerated observers, but it does use tensors.
 
pervect said:
MTW's "Gravitation" has a good and very thorough treatment of accelerated observers, but it does use tensors.
IMO the fact that it uses tensors is a benefit. It makes the transition to GR much easier later.
 
Mentz114 said:
I fairly sure Rindler's book deals with it

http://www.ebook3000.com/Introduction-to-Special-Relativity_103498.html

I looked through the book, but I didn't find anything. A bit weird, didn't Rindler find a way to describe accelerating reference frames?

pervect said:
MTW's "Gravitation" has a good and very thorough treatment of accelerated observers, but it does use tensors.

Does MTW look at accelerating frames from an SR perspective?
 
There's a good derivation of Rindler coordinates on p. 240-252 of this book, which for now anyway is all viewable on google books.
 
JesseM said:
There's a good derivation of Rindler coordinates on p. 240-252 of this book, which for now anyway is all viewable on google books.

Interesting writeup. I shall have to bone up abit. Thanx.

GrayGhost
 

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