In this paper, using the characteristic analysis method, we study the relativistic Euler equations of conservation laws in energy and momentum in special relativity. The interactions of elementary waves for the relati...In this paper, using the characteristic analysis method, we study the relativistic Euler equations of conservation laws in energy and momentum in special relativity. The interactions of elementary waves for the relativistic Euler equations are shown. The collision of two shocks, two centered rarefaction waves, a shock and a rarefaction wave yield corresponding ransmitted waves. The overtaking of two shocks appears a transmitted shock wave, together with a reflected centered rarefaction wave.展开更多
In Newton’s classical physics, space and time are treated as absolute quantities. Space and time are treated as independent quantities and can be discussed sepa-rately. With his theory of relativity, Einstein proved ...In Newton’s classical physics, space and time are treated as absolute quantities. Space and time are treated as independent quantities and can be discussed sepa-rately. With his theory of relativity, Einstein proved that space and time are de-pendent and must be treated inseparably. Minkowski adopted a four-dimensional space-time frame and indirectly revealed the dependency of space and time by adding a constraint for an event interval. Since space and time are inseparable, a three-dimensional space-time frame can be constructed by embedding time into space to directly show the interdependency of space and time. The formula for time dilation, length contraction, and the Lorenz transformation can be derived from graphs utilizing this new frame. The proposed three-dimensional space-time frame is an alternate frame that can be used to describe motions of objects, and it may improve teaching and learning Special Relativity and provide additional insights into space and time.展开更多
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.10671120)
文摘In this paper, using the characteristic analysis method, we study the relativistic Euler equations of conservation laws in energy and momentum in special relativity. The interactions of elementary waves for the relativistic Euler equations are shown. The collision of two shocks, two centered rarefaction waves, a shock and a rarefaction wave yield corresponding ransmitted waves. The overtaking of two shocks appears a transmitted shock wave, together with a reflected centered rarefaction wave.
文摘In Newton’s classical physics, space and time are treated as absolute quantities. Space and time are treated as independent quantities and can be discussed sepa-rately. With his theory of relativity, Einstein proved that space and time are de-pendent and must be treated inseparably. Minkowski adopted a four-dimensional space-time frame and indirectly revealed the dependency of space and time by adding a constraint for an event interval. Since space and time are inseparable, a three-dimensional space-time frame can be constructed by embedding time into space to directly show the interdependency of space and time. The formula for time dilation, length contraction, and the Lorenz transformation can be derived from graphs utilizing this new frame. The proposed three-dimensional space-time frame is an alternate frame that can be used to describe motions of objects, and it may improve teaching and learning Special Relativity and provide additional insights into space and time.
