We introduce in a space, which is free from Gravitation-field, a
Galiliean Co-ordinate System K (_x_, _y_, _z_, _t_) and also, another
system K′ (_x′_ _y′_ _z′_ _t′_) rotating uniformly relative to K. The
origin of both the systems as well as their _z_-axes might continue to
coincide. We will show that for a space-time measurement in the system
K′, the above established rules for the physical significance of time
and space can not be maintained. On grounds of symmetry it is clear that
a circle round the origin in the XY plane of K, can also be looked upon
as a circle in the plane (X′, Y′) of K′. Let us now think of measuring
the circumference and the diameter of these circles, with a unit
measuring rod (infinitely small compared with the radius) and take the
quotient of both the results of measurement. If this experiment be
carried out with a measuring rod at rest relatively to the Galiliean
system K we would get π, as the quotient. The result of measurement with
a rod relatively at rest as regards K′ would be a number which is
greater than π. This can be seen easily when we regard the whole
measurement-process from the system K and remember that the rod placed
on the periphery suffers a Lorenz-contraction, not however when the rod
is placed along the radius. Euclidean Geometry therefore does not hold
for the system K′; the above fixed conceptions of co-ordinates which
assume the validity of Euclidean Geometry fail with regard to the system
K′. We cannot similarly introduce in K′ a time corresponding to physical
requirements, which will be shown by all similarly prepared clocks at
rest relative to the system K′. In order to see this we suppose that two
similarly made clocks are arranged one at the centre and one at the
periphery of the circle, and considered from the stationary system K.
According to the well-known results of the special relativity theory it
follows—(as viewed from K)—that the clock placed at the periphery will
go slower than the second one which is at rest. The observer at the
common origin of co-ordinates who is able to see the clock at the
periphery by means of light will see the clock at the periphery going
slower than the clock beside him. Since he cannot allow the velocity of
light to depend explicitly upon the time in the way under consideration
he will interpret his observation by saying that the clock on the
periphery actually goes slower than the clock at the origin. He cannot
therefore do otherwise than define time in such a way that the rate of
going of a clock depends on its position.
We therefore arrive at this result. In the general relativity theory
time and space magnitudes cannot be so defined that the difference in
spatial co-ordinates can be immediately measured by the unit-measuring
rod, and time-like co-ordinate difference with the aid of a normal
clock.
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