Submission Type

Event

Expected Graduation Date

2014

Location

Atrium, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

Start Date

4-20-2013 9:00 AM

End Date

4-20-2013 10:00 AM

Disciplines

Physics

Abstract

We present a graphical method that can be used to learn/teach Einstein’s special theory of relativity. The “Minkowski diagram”, developed in 1908 by Hermann Minkowski, has long been recognized as an effective graphical tool for introducing special relativity. In our study, we adapted and modernized this graphical method in a way that would help current college students progress from Galilean transformations (based on Newton's Three Laws of Motion) to the kinematics of relativity and other key results. This study has revealed new ways to apply Minkowski diagrams to well known problems in relativity. Here, we will introduce our graphical technique and apply it to the resolution of the famous the twin paradox.

Included in

Physics Commons

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Apr 20th, 9:00 AM Apr 20th, 10:00 AM

A Graphical Introduction to Special Relativity Based on a Modern Approach to Minkowski Diagrams

Atrium, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University

We present a graphical method that can be used to learn/teach Einstein’s special theory of relativity. The “Minkowski diagram”, developed in 1908 by Hermann Minkowski, has long been recognized as an effective graphical tool for introducing special relativity. In our study, we adapted and modernized this graphical method in a way that would help current college students progress from Galilean transformations (based on Newton's Three Laws of Motion) to the kinematics of relativity and other key results. This study has revealed new ways to apply Minkowski diagrams to well known problems in relativity. Here, we will introduce our graphical technique and apply it to the resolution of the famous the twin paradox.

 

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