A correction to one of Einstein's derivations of the Lorentz transformation

Authors
Citation
Ij. Good, A correction to one of Einstein's derivations of the Lorentz transformation, PHYS ESSAYS, 13(4), 2000, pp. 580-586
Citations number
11
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
PHYSICS ESSAYS
ISSN journal
08361398 → ACNP
Volume
13
Issue
4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
580 - 586
Database
ISI
SICI code
0836-1398(200012)13:4<580:ACTOOE>2.0.ZU;2-E
Abstract
R.J. Hannon has described as "obscure" one of Einstein's derivations [Relat ivity: The Special and General Theory (Wings Books, New York, 1961)] of the special Lorentz transformation. That derivation does indeed contain an err or although it is an error of omission rather than of commission. The error is rectified herein by replacing 12 lines of Einstein's derivation. Two-by -two matrices are used in one form of this replacement. Another Part of his argument is made clearer in an endnote. As amended, Einstein's derivation becomes much clearer than his original one of 1905. To disarm some unjustifiable criticisms, and for further clarification, som e of the errors by a reviewer are mentioned in the endnotes.