Imaginary Elements in Special Relativity Theory
| Scientific Paper | |
|---|---|
| Title | Imaginary Elements in Special Relativity Theory |
| Author(s) | Werner Hubig |
| Keywords | {{{keywords}}} |
| Published | 2009 |
| Journal | Galilean Electrodynamics |
| Volume | 20 |
| Number | 5 |
| Pages | 91-97 |
Abstract
The constancy of light speed and relativistic effects can be established in Galilean kinematics by means of coordinate transformations. They generate different modified Galilean transformations, and one of them is mathematically identical with the Lorentz transformation. The usual physical interpretation of the Lorentz transformation requires the additional use of imaginary events, happening in imaginary worlds, and described by imaginary coordinate systems. The Lorentz-transformed time appears to be an imaginary physical quantity. Also the relativistic effects of special relativity are imaginary; they can be real only under special circumstances. The relativity principle of special relativity is not compatible with the constancy of light speed.