Some Pitfalls In Special Relativity

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1973

Abstract

The problem of observing a collision between two spaceships is utilized to illustrate the misuse of time dilation and length contraction, and the incorrect description of space-time coordinates in special relativity. By emphasizing the equivalence of all inertial frames, students can be guided to correct descriptions of space-time coordinates and to proper applications of time dilation and length contraction. © 1973, American Association of Physics Teachers. All rights reserved.

Publication Title

American Journal of Physics

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