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The inertial mass of a system ofbodies can even be regarded as a measure of its
energy.
That my definitionsatisfies this demand is indisputable.
But the
metre-rod is moving with the velocity v relative to K.
gifThis system of
equations is known as the Lorentz transformation. By means of thetheory of
relativity they have been united into one law.
06a ,and for stiII greater
velocities the square-root becomes imaginary. It is a different matter when the
distance has to be judged from therailway line. Here also the velocity cplays
the part of an unattainable limiting velocity.
As a matter of fact, according
to classicalmechanics, time is absolute, i.
Let us now consider a seconds-clock
which is permanently situated atthe origin (x1=0) of K1.
As a
naturalconsequence, however, the following question arises :Are two events
(e.
Nevertheless we must now draw attention to the fact that a theory ofthis
phenomenon was given by H.
In thefollowing pages we shall present the
fundamental ideas of the specialtheory of relativity. But the experiment gave a
negative result -- afact very perplexing to physicists.
If referred to the
system K1, the propagation oflight takes place according to this
equation.
Instead ofthe equation (A) we then obtain the equation eq.
Writing
the _expression_ for theenergy in the form eq. We were led to that conflict by
the considerations of Section 6,which are now no longer tenable. It is clear
that we have the problem of Section 6 again before us. As a matter of fact,
according to classicalmechanics, time is absolute, i.
This is shown by the
fourth equation ofthe Lorentz transformation: eq. Then the number which tells
us how often the rod has to be laid downis the required distance.
Before we
deal with this, we shall introduce the following incidentalconsideration. Let
me add a final remark of a fundamental nature.
We thus see that thevelocity of
transmission relative to the reference-body K1 is alsoequal to c. 2), this
problem is solved by means of theequations : eq. theprinciple of the physical
relativity of all uniform motion.
What is the lengthof the metre-rod relatively
to the system K? the contracted length being proportional to theexpression eq.
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