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Lorentz Transformation and the Thomas Precession

1955/11/01 by W. H. Furry · 2 citations
Physics and Astronomy · Mathematics · #Relativity and Gravitational Theory #Advanced Mathematical Theories and Applications #Mathematics and Applications

paper · doi:10.1119/1.1934085

openalex publication_date 1955/11/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21

Abstract

The various kinematic effects of special relativity are here treated by considering iterations of the infinitesimal Lorentz transformation. There is only one relativistic effect that appears as a difference between an infinitesimal Lorentz transformation and the corresponding infinitesimal Galilei transformation; this effect is the relative character of simultaneity. When this has been introduced by a physical argument (following Einstein), finite transformations and the other effects are obtained by iteration. Special attention is given to an iteration procedure that reveals the existence of the Thomas precession.

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