Einstein's Theories of Relativity and Gravitation: A selection of material from the essays submitted in the competition for the Eugene Higgins prize of $5,000Bird, J. Malcolm (James Malcolm)
Philosophy
Einstein's Theories of Relativity and Gravitation: A selection of material from the essays submitted in the competition for the Eugene Higgins prize of $5,000
Bird, J. Malcolm (James Malcolm)
Relativity (Physics)
We find therefore that for sound the velocity with regard to
the medium is always unity, while the velocity with regard to the
observer, and the interval elapsed, depend only on the motion of the
observer himself, and are independent of the motion of the source. The
frequency of the vibrations, on the other hand, depends only on the
relative motion of the observer and the source, but is independent of
their common motion in any direction. Further, it makes no difference
whether the source and the observer are moving on a train, or whether
they are stationary, and a uniform wind is blowing past them.
In the case of light waves we shall find a very different state of
affairs, although the rules for frequency are the same as they are for
sound. In case A we have the normal conditions, where both the source
and observers are stationary. In case B we have a representation of
the Michelson-Morley experiment as supplemented by that of Majorana,2
where the source is stationary and the observer advances. Unlike the
case of sound, the interval elapsed, as shown by the experiment, is now
the same as in case A, and since the distance to the observer is less,
the velocity of light with respect to the ether must also be less than
unity. Since the observer is advancing against the light, this will
permit the velocity of light with regard to the observer to remain
unity, in conformity with the second principle of relativity. Compare
with case b for sound. As Jeans expresses it, "The velocity of light
in all directions is the same, whatever the motion of the observer."3
That is to say it appears to be the same to him, however he moves.
Case C represents Einstein's statement, as confirmed by Majorana's
experiment. It does not differ from case c for sound. Case D is
more complex, but accepting the statement above that the velocity
is constant with regard to the observer, we see that the velocity
through the medium must be less, and that the interval elapsed will
be constant, as in case B. Could we use the brighter stars and planets
as sources of light, several of these cases could be further tested.
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