Basic equations used by the special theory of relativity

The Forces of Nature by Kelland Terry, Ph.D.

The special theory of relativity states that time slows down for an object in motion. This means that a clock in motion will actually tick fewer times per second compared to a stationary reference clock because length between ticks is greater. This is spoken of as time dilation. Einstein used the Lorenz equation to define this belief in the following way:

Time dilation

Relativistic time = normal time x gamma.

Where gamma is the inverse of the Lorentz contraction:

Because gamma is always greater than one, relativistic time is always greater than normal time. I will return to this equation when I discuss objects in motion in another section.

Relativistic momentum
The energy required to increase the velocity of an electron to the speed of light is much greater than expected. At one time it was thought that the mass of the particle increased, but this is no longer thought to be the case. The resistance to any increase in the speed of the particle follows gamma.

The special theory of relativity views this as an increase in momentum, which is calculated as follows:

Relativistic momentum = gamma x velocity x mass

This equation actually tells us that it requires more energy than expected to increase the velocity of the electon in a particle accelerator, not that the mass changes. I will return to this equation when I discuss particle accelerators.

Einstein reasoned that these equations can only apply if we live in a four dimensional world rather than the normal three: length, depth, and height. The forth dimension is time, which explains time dilation and the effect of motion on time and particles in motion.

According to relativity theory, the original concept of the Lorentz contraction still applies, although they prefer to state that space shrinks:

This theory does lead to the curious assertion that a large particle accelerator in use shrinks to a few meters.

Is there another way of explaining the odd behavior of particles in motion without invoking a four dimensional world? I believe so. I will begin to tackle this subject in my next blog. Till then be safe and in good health. Kelland—www.vestheory.com