The Bondi approach to the Lorentz: from Alpha to Delta

Nityananda, Rajaram (2016) The Bondi approach to the Lorentz: from Alpha to Delta. Resonance : Journal of Science Education, 21 (4). pp. 369-375. ISSN 0973-712X

Preview

Text - Published Version Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

This article summarises a very elegant way of teaching the Lorentz transformation, which was introduced by Hermann Bondi (see Resonance, March 2016 for more about him). The starting point of this approach is that the best way of assigning space and time coordinates to a distant event is by radar, i.e., by transmitting and receiving light signals, and noting the times of departure and arrival. There is no need for the rigid rod. Bondi’s method, which he called the k-calculus, makes good use of the Doppler effect (hence the delta in the title). For students who have learnt special relativity in the standard way, this approach provides a different view of the subject.

Item Type:	Article
Authors:	Nityananda, Rajaram
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Lorentz transformation. Radar. Bondi. Special relativity.
Subjects:	Social sciences > Education > Science education
Divisions:	Azim Premji University > School of Arts and Sciences
Full Text Status:	Public
Related URLs:	Google Scholar
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/116
Publisher URL:	https://www.ias.ac.in/article/fulltext/reso/021/04...

Actions (login required)

View Item