Relativistic Mechanics and Electrodynamics without One-Way Velocity Assumptions

The Conventionality of Simultaneity espoused by Reichenbach, Grunbaum, Edwards, and Winnie is herein extended to mechanics and electrodynamics. The extension is seen to be a special case of a generally covariant formulation of physics, and therefore consistent with Special Relativity as the geometry...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Philosophy of science 1978-03, Vol.45 (1), p.17-46
Main Author: Giannoni, Carlo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Charge density
Coordinate systems
Curl
Electrodynamics
Fracture mechanics
Mass
Momentum
Spacetime
Special relativity
Velocity
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Summary:The Conventionality of Simultaneity espoused by Reichenbach, Grunbaum, Edwards, and Winnie is herein extended to mechanics and electrodynamics. The extension is seen to be a special case of a generally covariant formulation of physics, and therefore consistent with Special Relativity as the geometry of flat space-time. Many of the quantities of classical physics, such as mass, charge density, and force, are found to be synchronization dependent in this formulation and, therefore, in Reichenbach's terminology, "metrogenic." The relationship of these quantities to 4-vectors and their physical significance is discussed.
ISSN:0031-8248
1539-767X
DOI:10.1086/288777