Explore Relativity with Interactive Flash Diagrams

  • Thread starter A.T.
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    Relativity
In summary: I was a bit unsure of how to use these diagrams as I am not familiar with relativity, but they are very easy to understand.
  • #1
A.T.
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Hello,

for those of you who liked Epsteins book "Relativity Visualized" and
his geometrical interpretation of relativity: I have made two
interactive space-eigentime diagrams in flash to play with:
A basic on showing mainly special relativity:
http://www.adamtoons.de/physics/relativity.swf
A 3D version showing gravitation as curved spacetime (needs flash 9):
http://www.adamtoons.de/physics/gravitation.swf
Comments and suggestions are welcome

Adam
 
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  • #2
Nice visualizations.
It's been a while since I have looked at Epstein's book.

Just a word of warning [for those unfamiliar with spacetime diagrams]... Epstein's vivid diagrams are not the standard Minkowski spacetime diagrams, as seen in more advanced relativity books. While his diagrams are enlightening and may be sufficient for beginners, they are of limited use.

Here's a review via JSTOR
http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0024-094X(1984)17%3A4%3C299%3ARV%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0

Here's related thread on Epstein's diagrams:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=151075
 
  • #3
A.T. said:
Hello,

for those of you who liked Epsteins book "Relativity Visualized" and
his geometrical interpretation of relativity: I have made two
interactive space-eigentime diagrams in flash to play with:
A basic on showing mainly special relativity:
http://www.adamtoons.de/physics/relativity.swf
A 3D version showing gravitation as curved spacetime (needs flash 9):
http://www.adamtoons.de/physics/gravitation.swf
Comments and suggestions are welcome

Adam

Can you tell me why the time coordinate is a closed circle in the interactive space-eigentime diagrams of http://www.adamtoons.de/physics/gravitation.swf
 
  • #4
mendocino said:
Can you tell me why the time coordinate is a closed circle in the interactive space-eigentime diagrams of http://www.adamtoons.de/physics/gravitation.swf

It isn't. After each cycle you land on a new layer of the diagram. The 3D-view is basically the left 2D-diagram rolled together, so you have 4 layers. The choice of a rotational surface to embed the curved 2D-spacetime in 3D is arbitrary and has no physical meaning.
 
  • #5
Thank you Adam for the excellent animations.
 

1. What is "Explore Relativity with Interactive Flash Diagrams"?

"Explore Relativity with Interactive Flash Diagrams" is an educational tool that uses interactive diagrams and animations to help people understand the concepts of relativity in a visual and engaging way. It is designed for students and anyone interested in learning about relativity.

2. How does "Explore Relativity with Interactive Flash Diagrams" work?

The tool uses interactive flash diagrams that allow users to manipulate variables and see the effects on different aspects of relativity. The diagrams are accompanied by explanations and animations to help users understand the concepts.

3. Is "Explore Relativity with Interactive Flash Diagrams" suitable for all ages?

Yes, the tool is suitable for all ages. It is designed to be accessible and easy to understand for anyone interested in learning about relativity, regardless of their age or level of knowledge.

4. Can "Explore Relativity with Interactive Flash Diagrams" be used for teaching or just for personal learning?

The tool can be used for both teaching and personal learning. It is a great resource for teachers to supplement their lessons and for students to use as a study guide.

5. Is "Explore Relativity with Interactive Flash Diagrams" a reliable source of information?

Yes, the tool is based on scientifically accurate information and has been reviewed by experts in the field of relativity. However, it should not be used as the sole source of information and should be supplemented with other reliable sources.

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