Time dilation and Langevin paradox

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the assumptions behind the Langevin paradox and time dilation, clarifying the physics involved and deriving the light dragging coefficient to resolve misconceptions about inertial observers and light velocity.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the physics underlying time dilation and derives the exact light dragging coefficient, challenging common assumptions in relativity.

Findings

Clarifies the physics behind time dilation.

Derives the exact light dragging coefficient.

Challenges the assumption of equal real light velocities for different observers.

Abstract

The principle of invariance of the velocity of light is only valid for the wrong measurements of inertial observers who ignore their own movement and consider themselves at rest. The Langevin (or clock) paradox arises when it is assumed that the real velocity (and not only the wrong measured velocity) of light in free space can be the same for different observers. Nevertheless, it is generally assumed as true such incoherent assumption that leads to the paradox. To clarify the issue is of great interest to analyse the physics underlying the phenomenon of time dilation (which is not only the result of a mathematical formula) and this has been done in this work. The exact value of light dragging coefficient is also derived.