Proving the Relativistic Rotation Paradox

TL;DR

This paper provides a straightforward algebraic proof of the relativistic rotation paradox, enhancing understanding of Lorentz matrices and inertial frames for physics students.

Contribution

It introduces a simple, transparent algebraic derivation of the relativistic rotation paradox using Lorentz-matrix properties, improving pedagogical clarity.

Findings

Algebraic proof of the paradox using Lorentz matrices

Clarification of Lorentz matrix properties in relativistic frames

Educational value for undergraduate physics students

Abstract

An apparent paradox in Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity, known as a Thomas precession rotation in atomic physics, has been verified experimentally in a number of ways. However, somewhat surprisingly, it has not yet been demonstrated algebraically in a straightforward manner using Lorentz-matrix-algebra. Authors in the past have resorted instead to computer verifications, or to overly-complicated derivations, leaving undergraduate students in particular with the impression that this is a mysterious and mathematically inaccessible phenomenon. This is surprising because, as shown in the present note, it is possible to use a basic property of orthogonal Lorentz matrices and a judicious choice for the configuration of the relevant inertial frames to give a very transparent algebraic proof. It is pedagogically useful for physics students particularly at undergraduate level to explore this. It not only clarifies the nature of the paradox at an accessible mathematical level and sheds additional light on some mathematical properties of Lorentz matrices and relatively-moving frames. It also illustrates the satisfaction that a clear mathematical understanding of a physics problem can bring, compared to uninspired computations or tortured derivations.