A simple minded question: Do we live in the four-dimensional spacetime?

TL;DR

This paper proposes a Newtonian-based approach to explain relativistic effects, gravitational phenomena, and photon behavior without relying on four-dimensional spacetime, challenging the conventional relativistic framework.

Contribution

It introduces a matter transfer mechanism within Newtonian physics that reproduces relativistic mass increase, time dilation, and gravitational effects, offering an alternative to special relativity.

Findings

Reproduces relativistic mass increase through matter transfer

Explains time dilation without four-dimensional spacetime

Accounts for perihelion shift and light deflection with modified gravity

Abstract

A new approach in the Newtonian space and time, based upon the assumption that inertial mass is the quantitative measure of the matter. It has been shown that in case of a special physical system, a supposed matter transfer may reproduce the relativistic mass increase of an accelerated particle. As a consequence, the relativistic time dilation in the accelerated system can be explained. It is shown that subsequent accelerations produce systems, whose equivalent masses and the rate of the equivalent clocks do not depend on their relative velocity in a way predicted by the theory of special relativity. It is also shown that adding a small velocity dependent component to the static gravitational force, the measured peri-helium shift and the light deflection can be reproduced. Some explanations of the experienced behaviour of the photons, based on their changing mass, are offered.