Quote:
Originally Posted by Doctordick
Quote:
Originally Posted by modest
Taking as a postulate (simply because I have no idea how you derived these things) that some wave propagates at a fixed and finite speed for multiple inertial frames then I have no doubt the Lorentz transformations can and must be derived.
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You should really look at the derivation of my fundamental equation as, without understanding the necessity of that result the whole thing seems to be a bit “off the wall”. My original web site no longer exists but that derivation has been put on WiKipedia. Sans the interaction term, that is nothing more than a standard four dimensional wave equation. |
I agree that's the next step for me. While the derivation in the OP seems sound to me, it is firmly based on the character of something I know nothing about. As I say, your post seems to take as a postulate that some certain wave has a fixed speed regardless of frame of reference. So long as that speed is finite I agree the Lorentz transformations are the only logical conclusion.
Before I get to your fundamental equation I might have some questions about this metric you're using. My confusion is right now all in my head and I'd have to work at putting it down in a post... if you think this is the wrong thread for discussing that metric then let me know.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doctordick
The equation  is invalid because because it requires the moving observer (the observer in the primed frame) to know his frame is moving. |
Well, I certainly agree
But, in another thread you're saying that the moving train frame can decide to use the fixed frame of the platform in defining simultaneity. By your own objection, this would require the person in the train to know they are moving and thus not be a valid approach.
Actually, If you can indulge me, I might get this conversation on the metric started.
Defining tau loosely as what clocks measure and x as what a ruler measures and the metric
where c=1 and y & z are omitted we might plot something like:
S is not moving in x while S' is. The red lines are light emitted from S and detected at S'. Taking things slowly, I'll just ask one question: what is the change in tau between the detection events for S'? Is there enough information (as I've said nothing about time) to answer this question?
I appreciate your help on this. I'd really like to understand this alternative view of relativity and it's not coming to me intuitively.
~modest
