Length standards and the twin paradox in the special theory of relativity

"In this Thesis I work towards a discussion of several resolutions of the Twin Paradox by exploring the Lorentz transformations. I begin by asking what it means for a moving length to contract1 a question which obviously cannot be divorced from the propagation of length standards from one reference frame to another. I emphasize the conventionality of definitions of length. I go on to argue that it is the imposition of clock synchronization-the conventionality of one-way speeds-and not the effects of acceleration which leads to the asymmetry of light speed observed in the Sagnac effect; and further, that this asymmetry leads to apparent paradoxes which are easily resolved when we take into account general covariance. In subsequent discussion of light-speed conventionality, I prove that any transform which preserves synchronization consistent with Michelson-Morley must be a similarity transform; and use this to demonstrate that not all results which appear to depend on Special Relativity actually do. I conclude this Thesis with an argument that the Twin Paradox cannot be resolved consistently if we impose simultaneously all ·'physical"" conditions which various resolutions impose in part."

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physics

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Carrubba, James G.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Stone, Michael

• length standards
• twin paradox
• special theory of relativity

Statement dc:rights

• ©1997 Carrubba

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

4055726

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/30773