- Bondi k-calculus
Bondi "k"-calculus is a method of teaching
special relativity originated by Professor SirHermann Bondi , and now common in university and college level physics classes.The usefulness of the "k"-calculus is its simplicity. It has been successfully used to teach special relativity to young children.
Many introductions to relativity begin with the concept of velocity and a derivation of the
Lorentz transformation . Other concepts such astime dilation ,length contraction , therelativity of simultaneity , the resolution of the twins "paradox" and therelativistic Doppler effect are then derived from the Lorentz transformation, all as functions of velocity.Bondi, in his book "Relativity and Common Sense", first published in
1962 , reverses the order of presentation. He begins with the Doppler factor, denoted by the letter . From this he explains the twins paradox, and the relativity of simultaneity, time dilation, and length contraction, all in terms of . It is not until later in the exposition that he provides a link between velocity and the Doppler factor . The Lorentz transformation appears towards the end of the book.References
External links
* [http://www.geocities.com/autotheist/Bondi/intro.htm Review of Bondi k-Calculus]
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