A geometric representation for visualizing relativistic length and time measurement

Authors: Amir Entezam, Keshav Narain Shrivastava

Affiliations: Department of Physics, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Emails: guitamir@yahoo.com

Journal: International Journal of Fundamental Physical Sciences (IJFPS)

Volume: 1, Issue: 4, Pages: 91-94, Date: December, 2011

ISSN: 2231-8186

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14331/ijfps.2011.330022

Abstract

This paper proposes geometric representations to aid in understanding the relativistic phenomena of length contraction and time dilation. Using simplified trigonometric models, the Lorentz transformation and related effects can be visually represented on a semicircle. These tools illustrate how relativistic measurements of moving rulers and time intervals change based on velocity. The models help visualize how the observer's motion affects perception of time, and highlight relativistic simultaneity, time flow, and the role of light signal delay. The paper supports special relativity with visual models and stresses the importance of treating time as the fourth dimension for a deeper conceptual grasp.

Keywords

General relativity, elliptical objects, planetary orbits

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/