The Principle of Relativity and Inertial Dragging

TL;DR

This paper examines the principle of relativity in rotating systems within general relativity, emphasizing inertial dragging effects and providing calculations to clarify the debate on Mach's principle and relativity.

Contribution

It offers a detailed analysis of inertial dragging in general relativity and presents calculations demonstrating its implications for the principle of relativity in rotating frames.

Findings

Inertial dragging can reconcile rotating motion with the principle of relativity.

Calculations show inertial dragging effects are significant in general relativity.

The analysis supports the validity of relativity in rotating systems considering inertial dragging.

Abstract

Machs principle and the principle of relativity have been discussed by H. I. Hartman and C. Nissim-Sabat in this journal. Several phenomena were said to violate the principle of relativity as applied to rotating motion. These claims have recently been contested. However, in neither of these articles have the general relativistic phenomenon of inertial dragging been invoked, and no calculation have been offered by either side to substantiate their claims. Here I discuss the possible validity of the principle of relativity for rotating motion within the context of the general theory of relativity, and point out the significance of inertial dragging in this connection. Although my main points are of a qualitative nature, I also provide the necessary calculations to demonstrate how these points come out as consequences of the general theory of relativity