This is a traditional way to derive Lorents, and a constancy of speed of light in moving systems will result as a consequence.

So, just assume as a postulate that there is a certain physical quantity called space-time interval x^2+y^2+z^2-(ct)^2 which should be the same (=invariant, or symmetric) in any xyzt system of reference moving with any velocity in any direction, and u will get Lorents equation and as a side result constancy of speed of light c in any system.

Or equally adequate approach: assume that ANY physical process will run exactly the same way in any of those moving systems. Again, you'll get Lorents coordinate transformations.

About interpretation of a light wave (photon) being not object but information about more fundamental object (ether, space-time, vacuum - whatever u call it). It becomes important if u can predict or explain something measurable (therefore get some numbers) from your (hopefully new) concept. Othervise, whatever u call or label it can be re-labeled more and more (say, let us call a photon a pilot wave or a probability wave or energy wave, etc.) without any harm to any observable phenomena.

• You're right Alex - aurino - May 9, 2001 - 12:47 UTC
  • Actually... - aurino - May 9, 2001 - 12:48 UTC