Lorentz Invariance as a Dynamic Symmetry

Abstract

If all the forces of nature can be reduced to those which follow from a linear combination of a scalar and vector potential, as in electrodynamics, Lorentz invariance can be derived as a dynamic symmetry. All that has to be done is to assume that there is an all pervading substratum or ether, transmitting those forces through space, and that all physical bodies actually observed are held together by those forces. Under this assumption bodies in absolute motion through the substratum suffer a true contraction equal to the Lorentz contraction, and as a result of this contraction clocks in absolute motion go slower by the same amount. The velocity of light appears then to be equal in all inertial reference systems, if Einstein’s clock synchronization convention by reflected light signals is used and which presupposes this result. The Lorentz contraction and time dilation measured on an object at rest relative to an observer who gained a velocity by an accelerated motion is there explained as an illusion caused by a true Lorentz contraction and time dilation of the observer. Both the special relativistic kinematic interpretation and this alternative dynamic interpretation give identical results only in the adiabatic limit where the accelerations are small, because if the Lorentz contraction is a real physical effect, it must take a finite time. However, to break the peculiar interaction symmetry with the ether, and which in the dynamic interpretation is the cause for the Lorentz invariance, the accelerated motions must involve rotation. Only then can non-adiabatic relativity-violating effects be observed and which would establish a preferred reference system at rest with the ether. Under most circumstances relativity-violating effects resulting from such a dynamic interpretation of special relativity would be very small and difficult to observe, a likely reason why they have evaded their detection in the past. For the rotating earth a residual sideral tide has been observed with a superconducting gravimeter, and which could be explained by an “ether wind” of about 300 km /sec at rest with the cosmic microwave background radiation. However, because of the observational uncertainties in measuring the terrestrial tides no definite conclusion can be drawn. A number of new experiments are therefore needed to decide the question regarding a possible weak violation of special relativity.