The path to Special Relativity

arXiv (Cornell University)

Abstract

Following an early observation of Ignatowsky, we present a derivation of the transformation rules between inertial systems making no other assumptions than the existence of the latter, and show that generically these rules are characterized by a constant of nature with the dimensions of an inverse velocity squared having the same value in all inertial frames. No independent postulate of the existence of an absolute velocity for light waves or other carriers of physical information is necessary. Aside from the usual Lorentz- and galilean transformations, our analysis also allows for the existence of four-dimensional Euclidian transformation rules between inertial systems.

Authors 3

1. G. Koekoek

   Maastricht University

   Affiliation as printed

   Dept. of Grav. Waves and Fund. Physics Maastricht University , Maastricht and Nikhef , Amsterdam

2. J.W. van Holten Aachen Nikhef Amsterdam and Lorentz Institute

   University of Applied Sciences Leiden · Lorentz Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Nikhef , Amsterdam and Lorentz Institute , Leiden University , Leiden

3. Urs Wyder

   Fontys University of Applied Sciences

   Affiliation as printed

   Detection and Measurement , Applied Physics Dept . Fontys University of Applied Science , Eindhoven