The Special Theory of Relativity (SRT).
Concepts, foundations and critical analysis.

by: Marcelo A. Crotti 

First version (in Spanish) : Nov 6^th, 1999 
Last modification: Sep 22^th, 2003

This page is not designed for amusement. But I hope it will be kind of entertainment to read it.  Developing this topic, I am trying to contribute to the diffusion (from my own point of view) and general understanding of the concepts behind the special theory of the relativity which, together with the quantum theory, redefined the physics and the philosophy of 20th century.

In agreement with the time that I have invested to understand and to adapt the Special Theory of Relativity to my own way of thinking, the development of this page has taken me many months. The work is far from being finished, so, I will be indicating the date whenever I make changes or additions in the different subjects.

This page is not directed to those making their first approach to the concepts of Special Relativity Theory (SRT). However, based on reiterated requirements, I have added a small introduction that embraces scientific and conceptual historical topics, intimately bound to the development of this theory.

To obtain better benefits from the different developments and discussions it is convenient to know:

• The foundations of the Michelson-Morley experiment.
• The postulates of the Special Theory of Relativity.
• Some simple formulations about the "Twins Paradox ".
• At least one of the numerous experimental results that support the validity of the equations of the theory of special relativity.

During my developments I carry out analysis of the mentioned points, without making a formal introduction of them. All Relativity introductory books make detailed mention of these points.

The real aim of these pages consists in giving some help to understand the logical foundations of this theory and its importance in the contemporary Physics. I believe, in fact, that who can obtain more benefits from these pages are those that have made an important effort trying to understand the physical sense of the following consequences of Special Relativity:

• That the clocks run slower and the distances are shorter in moving systems than at rest ones.
• That the mass and the energy are equivalent.
• That the speed of light is unattainable for material objects.

And are still thinking that there is something not completely clear in Einstein's developments. 

As can be seen at the end of these pages, although I admire the genius of Einstein and I am totally convinced of the validity of Special Relativity formulations, I have a personal point of view regarding the meaning and last consequences of these formulas.

In order to communicate with me, interested people can write to [email protected]

But to make comments of general interest it is preferable to make annotations in the visitors book

The following are the subjects under development: (items with (*) are still only available in Spanish, but under translation)

Concepts and Introduction

• Introduction to Relativity (01-Sep-03) 
• Einstein Original 1905 Paper (12-Mar-00) 
• Simultaneity of two Events (03-Sep-03)
• Synchronization of Distant Clocks (07-Sep-03)
• Speed Limit (07-Sep-03)
• What Lorentz said about the Michelson-Morley Experiment (04-Oct-2001) 

Lengths and Times 

This topic, which can be considered the heart of the Special Theory of Relativity, is developed in several levels, with the intention of offering alternatives for the different readers. 

• Clocks and Bars in Movement (08-Sep-03) (Conceptual Development)
• Fantasy or Reality (22- Sep-2003) (Numerical Development)
• The Lorentz Transformation and the Paradoxes (05-Apr-2003) (New) - (*)
• The Equivalence through the Lorentz Transformation (04-Apr-2003) - (*)
• A different point of view about the Lorentz Transformation (02-Oct-2002) (By Rodrigo de Abreu) - (*) 

Discussions and Analysis

• The Mess of Clocks (13-Oct-2001) - *
• The True Twins Paradox (10-Sep-01)
• Magic Pictures  (10-Apr-2003) (New)  - (*)
• Faster than Light Speeds (9-Sep-00) - (*)
• Variations of Light's Speed (11-Aug-02)   - (*)
• Scientific Truth(15-Apr-00)
• Special Relativity and Rotational Systems (14-Oct-2001) - (*)
• Different Points of View about Relativity (28-Sep-03) 
• Apparent Relativity (03-Mar-2003) - (*)
• Relativistic "Logic" - or the Special Logic of Relativity (12-Mar-2003) - (*)
• Are there better synchronism than Einstein's? -  (30-Mar-2003) - (*)

Crucial  Experiments 

• Light's Speed during Unidirectional Displacements (18-Abr-2003) (New)  - (*) 

Speculations 

• Vacuum in Physics (20-Feb-01) (*)
• Personal Interpretation (30-Mar-2003) (*)
• Some Speculations (1-Apr-01) (*)

Miscellaneous 

• Links to Related Pages (22-Sep-01) (*)
• Author's Data (13-Jun-00) 
• Time, Entropy and Reversibility (14-Jul-02) (*)
• A very Special Contribution (01-Sep-2003) (*)

As I already mentioned, in each of these pages the last updating is indicated.

And, starting from August 10, 2000, I include a special page dedicated to 

• The contributions of visitors  (*)

And, trying to answers the numerous suggestions , I have begun to put some simple visual outlines in different pages. I hope that, although rudimentary, these pictures help to understand the concepts that I am trying to develop.

Remark: This page was first written in Spanish (my native language). So, for readers capable to read Spanish,  it is strongly recommended the page: http://www.geocities.com/newmodel2k/

---The Special Relativity Theory understandable from the point of view of the classical physics and almost equations free ---