A simple derivation of the Lorentz transformation and of the related velocity and acceleration formulae
Abstract
Description
The Lorentz transformation is entirely derived from length contraction, itself established through the known light-clock thought experiment . This makes the derivation accessible to beginning students once Eintein's two postulates have been admitted. The formula derived for the space part of the general rotation-free Lorentz transformation is very compact and allows for an easy derivation of the velocity and acceleration transformations. A possibly new and very simple relation is found between proper acceleration and acceleration in an inertial frame.
Update of physics/0606103 4 pages, 1 figure, a slightly modified version is to appear in the American Journal of Physics
Update of physics/0606103 4 pages, 1 figure, a slightly modified version is to appear in the American Journal of Physics