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Bernhard Rothenstein

Publications and source records attributed to Bernhard Rothenstein.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
arXiv2006

Relativistic derivations of the electric and magnetic fields generated by an electric point charge moving with constant velocity

We propose a simple relativistic derivation of the electric and the magnetic fields generated by an electric point charge moving with constant velocity. Our approach is based on the radar detection of the point space coordinates where the fields are measured. The same equations were previously derived in a relatively complicated way2 based exclusively on general electromagnetic field equations and without making use of retarded potentials or relativistic equations

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Special relativity without distant clock synchronization

Observers at rest in two inertial reference frames are located within the propagation space of the same electromagnetic wave. Raising receiving antennas in a suitable way, these observers use the electromagnetic oscillations in the wave as an electromagnetic clock. The invariance of the wave phase ensures that the observers of the two frames detect the same phase of the oscillation when they are located at the same point in space and consequently theirs synchronization proceeds automatically. Because the Doppler Effect is free of any clock synchronization, we use the formula that accounts for this effect for deriving the basic formulas of relativistic kinematics.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Illustrating the relativity of simultaneity

We present a relativistic space-time diagram that displays in true magnitudes the readings (daytimes) of two inertial reference frames clocks. One reference frame is the rest frame for one clock. This diagram shows that two events simultaneous in one reference frames are not compulsory simultaneous in the other frame. This approach has a bi-dimensional character.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Polar coordinates, special relativity and CAS

We investigate the conditions under which computer programs represent correctly, in polar coordinates, the relativistic transformation equations for the space-time coordinates of the same event.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Illustrating the Michelson-Morley experiment

Considering that the rays in the Michelson-Morley interferometer perform the radar detection of its mirrors, we use a relativistic diagram that displays, at a convenient scale, their location and the path of the rays. This approach convinces us that the rays that come from the two arms interfere with zero phase difference without using the usual ingredient, length contraction.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Illustrating Einstein's special relativity: A relativistic diagram that displays in true values the components of a four vector

After having shown that the corresponding components of a four vector transform via the same transformation factors as the space-time coordinates of the same event do, we design a relativistic diagram that displays in true values theirs components. One diagram works for events generated by tardyons whereas a second diagram works for events generated by light signals or photons. We consider both approaching and receding tardyons respectively photons in each case. We also show how the relativistic diagram for radar and photographic detections of moving profiles.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Illustrating the space-time coordinates of the events associated with the apparent and the actual position of a light source

We present a space-time diagram that displays in true values the space- time coordinates of events associated with the apparent and actual positions of a point like source moving with constant velocity. We use it in order to construct the actual shape of a moving luminous profile or to determine the relationship between apparent and actual distances. We show that the simple fact that light propagates at finite speed has important consequences like "length contraction" or "length dilation" the effects being sensitive against the "approaching" and the "receding" character of the source relative to an observer located at the origin of the inertial reference frame

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Doppler Effect Associated with the Reflection of Light on a Moving Mirror

The Doppler Effect associated with the reflection on a moving mirror is reduced to two Doppler Effect experiments involving the incoming incident ray and the outgoing reflected ray or vice-versa. The dependence of the corresponding Doppler factors on the incidence angle on the stationary mirror.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Aberration associated with the reflection of light on a moving mirror

Imposing start from the beginning that the incidence and the reflection of a ray t on an arbitrarily orientated mirror take place at the same point in space and at the same zero time in all involved reference frames in relative motion, we decompose the reflection in two aberration of light effects, of the incident and of the reflected rays respectively

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Photographing a time interval

A method of measuring time intervals by a single observer proposed by Crowell is extended to the more general case when the events separated by the time interval take place at two points characterized by the same y=y' space coordinates. We show that time dilation and time contraction can take place or even an inversion in the time succession can be detected

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Substance-like physical quantities in special relativity

Handling substance-like physical quantities in the limits of special relativity theory we should make a net distinction between those which present a proper (rest) magnitude and those which have not. We show how the theory relates them via relativistic transformation equations.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Teaching special relativity at the hundredth anniversary of Einstein's "anno mirabilis"

We show that the transformation of relativistic velocities derived without using the Lorentz-Einstein transformation for the space-time coordinates of the same event and the fact that we can define the proper value of length, time interval, mass, electric field intensity enable us to derive transformation equations for the space-time coordinates of the same event, for mass (energy) and momentum of the same particle, for the electric field intensity and magnetic induction generated by the same moving charged particle or electromagnetic wave and for the frequency and the wave number of the same electromagnetic wave. The derivations involve a single scenario: a moving particle that generates events, carries mass (energy) and momentum, electric charge creating electric and magnetic fields. A plane electromagnetic wave is also involved.

physics.gen-ph↗
arXiv2005

Special relativity in the electromagnetic wave

Invariance of the counted number of photons and the Lorentz-Einstein transformations enable us to derive transformation equations for the physical quantities introduced in order to characterize energy emission and transport in a plane and in a spherical electromagnetic wave propagating in vacuum.

physics.gen-ph↗