Assumption and Myth in Physical Theory


Book Description

Professor Bondi discusses some of the myths that have grown up around various scientific theories and ideas, particularly special relativity and Mach's principle. His critical - and often light-hearted - approach to what are usually regarded as complicated ideas leaves the reader with the feeling that perhaps much of his subject is common sense after all. Professor Bondi's aim is to provoke thought, rather than to provide all the answers. He first discusses the limits of theory-making, the significance of depth and universality and the devising of effective tests for scientific theories. The relation of Einstein's theory to classical Newtonian mechanics is then considered, the author showing that relativity can be regarded simple as an extension of Newton's ideas on dynamics to the whole of physics. After deriving the equations of special relativity by the so-called k-calculus, he disposes rapidly of the 'clock paradox' and moves on to discuss general relativity, the significance of the result of Newman and Penrose concerning gravitational waves, the sources of gravitation and inertia, Mach's principles and the Hoyle-Narlikar relativity theory.







Science and Myth


Book Description




Myths and Misconceptions in Modern Physics


Book Description

Erroneous conclusions and gaps in modern physical theory are revealed. Perceived conflicts between classical and quantum are eliminated, partly as a result of a new theory of electric fields. The new theory explains relativistic mass increase and mass decrement in the nucleus, identifying a supplementary term needed in Einstein's famous equation E = mc2. The theory also provides a logical explanation of electron diffraction. The book challenges concepts of particle /wave duality, provides an alternate explanation of nuclear forces and proves that all verified predictions of special relativity theory are a sole result of Einstein's relativistic mass increase theory.




Modern Mythology and Science


Book Description

Modern physics has degenerated into mythology. Quantum mechanics (QM) is based on the assumption that "elementary" particles are truly fundamental. This assumption has been invalidated by numerous experiments. By interaction with other particles, quarks and other components of "elementary" particles are pulled apart or squeezed together. Due to such deformations, the complex structures called "elementary" particles accumulate internal energy, which is neglected in the entire Quantum Mechanics literature. Double slit experiments do not justify the abandonment of Classical Physics and the creation of Quantum Mechanics. The interference patterns, which supposedly demonstrate the unique nature of "elementary" particles, are faithfully reproduced with common objects. Correctly applied i.e., without neglecting internal energy, Classical Physics provides a deterministic and unitary description of virtually all quantum phenomena. Classical Physics also explains relativistic effects, i.e., mass increase, length contraction and time dilation without recourse to particular hypotheses like the existence of aether. The components of "elementary" particles are bound by cohesion forces propagating through quanta. The energy of quanta increases with particle velocity according to the Doppler Effect. As a result, the relativistic energy and mass of an "elementary" particle are proportional to the Lorentz factor. This mass increase causes length contraction and time dilation.




The Einstein Myth and the Ives Papers


Book Description




The End Of Physics


Book Description

The author presents a history of the attempts to find the final "theory of everything," gives a forceful argument that one can never be found, and a warning that the compromises necessary to produce a final theory may well undermine the rules of doing good science. At the heart of the story is the rise of the particle physicists and their attempts to reach far out into the cosmos for a unifying theory. Unable to subject their findings and theories to experimental scrutiny, they have moved into a world governed entirely by mathematical and highly speculative theories, none of which can be empirically verified. "Does physics then become a branch of aesthetics?" Lindley asks. For an opposing viewpoint, see Stephen Weinberg's Dreams of a Final Theory. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR




Einstein as Myth and Muse


Book Description

A reprint of the 1985 edition. On the impact of quantum theory and general relativity upon creative writers in the first half of this century. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR