Webliography: What is the experimental basis of Special Relativity?

In summary: Discusses various experiments that have been carried out to measure the Doppler effect and its validity. Discusses various theories that have been put forth to explain the Doppler effect. The book is divided into two parts. Part one introduces the foundations of special relativity, such as the inertial frame of reference, the definition of simulataneity, and Einstein's two basic hypotheses. It gives the main relativistic effects, such as the relativity of simultaneity, velocity addition, length contraction, the apparent shape of a moving body, time dilation, the Doppler effect, and the Thomas precession. Part two analyzes various experiments that have been performed up to now and compares them to the predictions of special relativity
  • #1
lalbatros
1,256
2
Dear All,

The compilation by John Baez about the http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SR/experiments.html" [Broken] is a must read.
However, only very few of the references are available online and for free.
Also, I have not found any book providing a compilation of such papers.

Therefore, I would like to know about web resources on this basic topic.
For example, some papers about the transverse Doppler effect.

Thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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  • #2
Awww, he left out my favorite: The yellow color of gold.

(edit:) Oh nevermind, apparently it's mentioned later in the same FAQ
 
  • #3
lalbatros said:
Dear All,

The compilation by John Baez about the http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SR/experiments.html" [Broken] is a must read.
However, only very few of the references are available online and for free.
Also, I have not found any book providing a compilation of such papers.

Therefore, I would like to know about web resources on this basic topic.
For example, some papers about the transverse Doppler effect.

Thanks





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Advanced Series on Theoretical Physical Science - Vol. 4

SPECIAL RELATIVITY AND ITS EXPERIMENTAL FOUNDATION

by Yuan Zhong Zhang (Academia Sinica, China)

This book is divided into two parts. In the first part we introduce the foundations of special relativity, such as, the inertial frame of reference, the definition of simulataneity, and Einstein's two basic hypotheses. We give the main relativistic effects, e.g. the relativity of simultaneity, velocity addition, length-contraction, the apparent shape of a moving body, time-dilation, Doppler effect, and the Thomas precession, In particular, the simultaneity problem and slow transport of clocks are investigated in detail by means of the test theories of special relativity. In the second part, variant types of experiments performed up to now are analyzed and compared to the predictions of special relativity. This shows that the experiments are a test of the two-way speed of light, but not of the one-way speed of light.




That could be of help. Presents the Doppler shift formula as a relationship between infinitesimal periods of emission and reception.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is the experimental basis of Special Relativity?

The experimental basis of Special Relativity is the collection of scientific observations and experiments that support the fundamental principles of the theory. These include the famous Michelson-Morley experiment, which showed that the speed of light is constant in all frames of reference, as well as numerous other experiments that have confirmed the predictions of Special Relativity.

2. How does Special Relativity differ from classical mechanics?

Special Relativity differs from classical mechanics in several key ways. Firstly, it recognizes that the laws of physics should be the same for all observers in uniform motion, regardless of their relative velocities. Secondly, it introduces the concept of spacetime, where space and time are not separate entities, but rather interconnected. Finally, it predicts that the laws of physics should be the same in all inertial reference frames, regardless of their relative motion.

3. What is the role of the speed of light in Special Relativity?

The speed of light plays a crucial role in Special Relativity, as it is considered to be the ultimate speed limit in the universe. According to the theory, the speed of light is constant in all frames of reference, and nothing can travel faster than it. This has significant implications for the way we understand time, space, and motion.

4. How does Special Relativity impact our understanding of time and space?

Special Relativity revolutionized our understanding of time and space by introducing the concept of spacetime. It showed that time and space are not absolute, but rather are relative and interconnected. It also predicted effects such as time dilation and length contraction, which have been confirmed through experiments and have led to new ways of thinking about the nature of reality.

5. What are some practical applications of Special Relativity?

Special Relativity has numerous practical applications, some of which include GPS technology, nuclear energy, and particle accelerators. The theory's principles have also been applied in fields such as astrophysics and cosmology, helping us to better understand the behavior of objects at high speeds and in extreme environments.

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