publications
These versions are the unofficial versions and slightly differ from the official published versions.
Mathématiques et l'existence de l'univers
Unpublished, 2009/2010, Work in progress.
Cet article discute des ressemblances qu'il y a entre les questions existentielles de notre univers et de l'existence abstraite des structures mathématiques. Il sera soutenu que l'abstraction mathématique implique la concrétisation physique et donc la quête de "pourquoi nous sommes" peut être, du moins en partie, répondue par la mathématique.
A Test of Time/Rooted to the Floor
Crux Mathematicorum, Canadian Mathematical Society, V39N5, 2014.
This text presents the explicit solution to the general pseudo-linear equation ax+b[cx+d]+e=0. It then applies its conclusion to solve a mathematical puzzler.
The Arrow of Time, Again! (pdf version here)
Unpublished, 2011
The wineglass shattering to the ground never reassembles itself back onto the table, or does it?
The Reality and Detection of the Relativistic Length Contraction (PDF)
Galilean Electrodynamics, V25N6, Nov 2014. (submitted 2010) (To Detect Relativistic...)
The most direct way to measure the length of a traveling object is to measure its speed and the time it requires to transit a fixed point in space. However, the speeds required and the accuracies needed to observe relativistic Lorentz contraction are well beyond current technology. We analyze a variant of this direct measurement procedure which consists in measuring the average shadow produced by a flux of microscopic particles. This alternative removes the two technological hurdles mentioned above. Particles which are Lorentz contracted will produce less shadow than if they are not contracted. It would therefore be possible to observe the contraction and give an interpretation to the "reality" of the Lorentz contraction.
Superluminal and negative velocities according to ether theory (PDF)
Galilean Electrodynamics, V22N2, March/April 2011. (submitted 2008)
We show that when one uses the Einstein synchronizing procedure to synchronize two remote clocks, modern ether theories predict that superluminal and negative measured velocities become possible. In light of such remarks, we argue that superluminal velocity experiments favor the existence of a universal preferred reference frame and may aid in the detection of such a frame.
Analyzing the Twin Paradox via Triplets (PDF)
Galilean Electrodynamics, V24N6, 2013. (submitted 2008)
This paper presents a twin-paradox scenario that is devoid of any accelerations, gravitational fields, frame jumping or abstract concepts; it involves only constant speeds and the kinematics of the Lorentz transformations. The scenario consists of three twins: One homebound twin, an outbound twin and an inbound twin. Unlike many other resolutions of the paradox, we analyze it from the standpoints of both the homebound and inbound twin. We show that both twins agree on who has aged more and who has aged less. Stressing the asymmetries within the twin paradox scenario, we defend that the twins' conclusions are not at odds with the principle of relativity.
Physics Essays, Volume 22, pp. 515, (2009)
Keywords: superluminal, simultaneity, paradox, tachyons, localization
We consider the detection of a superluminal signal. We show that there exists a particular inertial frame in which the superluminal signal is not uniquely localizable and that it is detected everywhere at the same instant within the inertial frame. This leads to a novel paradox to which we attribute the relativity of simultaneity.
Faster Than the Brighter-Light Beacon (PDF) ( .gif animation of the effect)
Phys. Educ. 44. pp.296-300, (2009)
Keywords: relativity, superluminal, FTL, SLS, light beacon
We analyse the motion of a spot of light projected onto a flat screen by a rotating source. We find that the motion of the spot has many interesting features such as spot splitting and superluminal effects. Our discussion is well suited for undergraduates and can be an interesting add-on in their curriculum, giving them new insights into the effects of kinematics.
From Classical to Relativistic Physics (PDF)
Unpublished, 2009
By following Bell's approach to teaching special relativity, which consists in adopting a physical view to the
Lorentz contraction, we show that many results of special relativity can be deduced from classical kinematics.
We present the approach in a way that is easily integrated into a college physics course, thus giving the
student an intuitive acquaintance to relativistic phenomena. Such a curriculum eases the student's transition
from classical to relativistic physics, thereby better preparing for their future ventures with special relativity.
Special Relativity and Accelerations
Unpublished, 2009
keywords: relativity, accelerations, proper time.
Contrary to many claims, we point out that special relativity cannot fully handle accelerations. We emphasize in which situations special relativity may be applied and point out that many texts which treat accelerations misleads the uninitiated. The purpose of this text is to better inform readers about the treatment of accelerations within special relativity.
Proper time, Clock Hypothesis and Special Relativity (PDF)
Unpublished, 2009
Contrary to popular belief, we show that Einstein's theory of special relativity cannot fully handle
accelerations. We point out that the relativistic invariant ∆τ = sqr(∆t 2 − ∆x 2) defined for inertial
frames does not imply the validity of its integral formalism ∆τ = ∫ dt sqr(1 − x' 2) along arbitrary
paths. We give explicit examples where the integral formalism fails by presenting alternative
time functions which identically reduce to the relativistic invariant. From these considerations we
argue that many analyses in the literature which involve accelerations are misleading and
fundamentally erroneous. The purpose of this text is to better inform readers about the treatment
of accelerations within special relativity.
Position and Time in Classical Textbooks vs. Position and Time in Special Relativity (PDF)
Galilean Electrodynamics, V23N5, Sept/Oct 2012. (submitted 2008)
Newcomers to the Theory of Special Relativity (SR) are often bewildered by its predictions and consequences. A reason for this bewilderment is that they are not aware that time (or position) as used in modern physics has a different meaning from its classical meaning. This causes much confusion for the novice in properly understanding SR. In this text, we will clarify these notions in order to aid the newcomer in the proper understanding of SR.
(The two following greyed out articles are no longer considered pertinent by myself. Although technically correct, the effect presented in the texts is nothing more that the comparison of absolute time and relativistic time, absolute time being unmeasureable. Although the rod traveling to the left is elongated, the measurement of its length is Lorentz contracted. Practiclewise, both theories predict the same outcome. Thus my claim that "Special Relativity is not equivalent to modern ether theories" is no longer as strong; there is a difference in ontology in the two theories but not of end results.)
Theory of Special Relativity vs. Preferred Reference Frame Theory: A Theoretical Distinction: UPDATE
Apeiron, Volume 13, No. 2, pp. 311-315, (2006)
Keywords: Special Relativity, Preferred Reference Frame
This paper is an update to our earlier paper1 entitled "Theory of Special Relativity vs. Preferred Reference Frame Theory: A theoretical distinction". This updated version simplifies the arguments used in the former paper by removing unnecessary calculations and using only logical arguments. It does not involve calculations or use of the Lorentz equations. This will remove many ambiguities and objections some might have concerning our earlier paper. We will once more conclude that Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity is not equivalent to modern ether theories. We suggest that the reader review section 1 and section 2 of the former paper in which we introduce Preferred reference Frame Theories (PFT).
Theory of Special Relativity vs. Preferred Reference Frame Theory: A Theoretical Distinction
Apeiron, Volume 12, No. 4, pp. 385-392, (2005)
Keywords: Special Relativity, Preferred Reference Frame
We show that there is a simple experiment whose outcome as predicted by the Theory of Special Relativity will differ from the prediction of the Preferred Reference Frame Theory. This shows that Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity is not mathematically equivalent to modern Ether theories, as is often claimed. This experiment can therefore discriminate between the two theories.