Page:Benton 1959 The Clock Problem (Clock Paradox) in Relativity.djvu/25

 mirror. This affords the model of an idealized instrument which is clock and yardstick both in one. It is shown that the focusing of the spherical light wave is not disturbed by accelerating the rigid mirror.

Einstein, for the first time, brings mechanical, electromagnetic and gravitational phenomena within one structure.

Includes on page 57-63 an explanation of the relativity of time which led to drastic changes in our use of the words "space" and "time."

Suggests an alternative approach to the clock paradox by making use of the Fitzgerald-Lorenz contraction.

Ascribes many of the false conclusions which have been reached in this matter to the unconscious introduction of an asymmetry into what is essentially a symmetrical situation.

See reply by Herbert Dingle, Nature 180:500, Sept. 7, 1957.

There is no ambiguity about the relationship between time and motion, either in terms of experiments with rapidly moving mesons or canal rays, or in terms of general relativity theory. But contradictory results are obtained when it is attempted to make computations using only the special relativity theory. A number of opinions to the contrary have recently found their way into print.

A re-examination of our ideas of space, time and motion with illustrations emphasizing the importance of the relative velocity concept. The clock paradox is mentioned.