Question about Special Relativity

In summary, the Special Theory of Relativity and the Lorentz Transformation were initially created to explain the lack of change in light detected by the Michelson-Morley experiment, which was thought to be caused by the existence of the ether. However, the theory ended up addressing a much larger issue, reconciling the conflicting predictions of classical mechanics and electromagnetism. Einstein's derivation of the theory ultimately simplified and clarified the meaning of the already existing Lorentz transforms.
  • #1
grounded
85
1
Was not the Special Theory of Relativity and the Lorentz Transformation created simply to explain why the Michelson-Morely experiment did not detect any change in light caused by the ether?
 
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  • #2
It was an Irish physicisist (what was his name?) who first suggested that the null result of the M-M experiment might be due to a compression of the apparatus along the direction of motion of the ether. THis idea was part of the reluctance to let go of the notion ofth ether which physics had devoted so much time and theory to. Lorentz then came up with his contraction formula. SO it was, initially, used for length contraction as caused by the ether.

Special relativity was produced by Einstein due to completely separate initial assumptions (the postulates) which require there to be no absolute reference frame, and therefore no ether. IT just so happened that SR required there to be length contraction along the direction of relative motion, and the formula for this contraction was exactly the same as the one developed by Lorentz.
 
  • #3
So to be more concise: yes.
 
  • #4
Originally posted by Chi Meson
It was an Irish physicisist (what was his name?) who first suggested that the null result of the M-M experiment might be due to a compression of the apparatus along the direction of motion of the ether.
George Francis FitzGerald (1851-1901).
 
  • #5
Originally posted by grounded
Was not the Special Theory of Relativity and the Lorentz Transformation created simply to explain why the Michelson-Morely experiment did not detect any change in light caused by the ether?

I feel that this is a massive understatement of the problem Einstein addressed. The issue at stake, the reason the M-M experiment was done, was due to Maxwell's prediction. When Maxwell predicted that the speed of electro-Magnetic waves was independent of any other velocities, he threw the tried and true Galilean transforms out the window. This created a schism between Electromagnetism and classical mechanics which disrupted the world of physics for 50yrs. Einsteins derivation tied it all back together. The beauty of it was the simplicity of the derivation, the result was the already known Lorentz transforms, the method gave them a simple clear physical meaning.
 

1. What is Special Relativity?

Special Relativity is a theory proposed by Albert Einstein in 1905 that explains the relationship between space and time. It states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion, regardless of their relative velocity.

2. How does Special Relativity differ from Newtonian mechanics?

Special Relativity differs from Newtonian mechanics in that it takes into account the effects of high speeds and the concept of space-time. It replaces the concept of absolute time with the idea that time is relative and can vary depending on the observer's frame of reference.

3. What is the equation for time dilation in Special Relativity?

The equation for time dilation in Special Relativity is t = t0 / √(1 - v^2/c^2), where t0 is the time in the stationary frame, t is the time in the moving frame, v is the relative velocity between the two frames, and c is the speed of light.

4. What is the significance of the speed of light in Special Relativity?

The speed of light, denoted as c, is a fundamental constant in Special Relativity. It is the maximum speed at which all matter and information in the universe can travel. According to the theory, nothing can travel faster than the speed of light.

5. Can Special Relativity be applied to everyday situations?

Yes, Special Relativity has been extensively tested and is used in many technological advancements, such as GPS systems. It also explains phenomena like time dilation in space travel and the relationship between mass and energy in nuclear reactions.

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