Special Relativity from Classical Gedankenexperiments involving Electromagnetic Forces: A Contribution to Relativity without Light

TL;DR

This paper derives key aspects of special relativity, such as speed limits, length contraction, and time dilation, solely from electromagnetic Gedankenexperiments and the first postulate, without referencing light.

Contribution

It presents a novel derivation of special relativity phenomena using classical electromagnetic thought experiments, eliminating the need for light-based assumptions.

Findings

Establishes a universal speed limit from electromagnetic properties

Derives length contraction and time dilation without light

Suggests Einstein's second postulate can be derived from first principles

Abstract

Simply by assuming the first postulate of Special Relativity and by exploring Gedankenexperiments with electromagnetic forces, we suggest that there is a speed limit in the universe, which can be determined as a relation between vacuum permeability and permittivity. We also derive space contraction and time dilatation without referring to light. Finally, we argue that, based on previous works on the derivation of Lorentz s Transformation without light and from our results, it is possible to transform the epistemological status of the Einstein s second postulate from principle into derivation.