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2007•American Journal of PhysicsOpen access

Real Time Relativity: Exploratory learning of special relativity

C. M. Savage, A. C. Searle, L. McCalman

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Abstract

“Real Time Relativity” is a computer program that lets users move at relativistic speeds through a simulated world populated with planets, clocks, and buildings. The counterintuitive and spectacular optical effects of relativity are prominent, while systematic exploration of the simulation allows the user to discover relativistic effects such as length contraction and the relativity of simultaneity. We report on the physics and technology underpinning the simulation, and our experience using it for teaching special relativity to first year students.

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“Real Time Relativity” is a computer program that lets users move at relativistic speeds through a simulated world populated with planets, clocks, and buildings. The counterintuitive and spectacular optical effects of relativity are prominent, while systematic exploration of the simulation allows the user to discover relativistic effects such as length contraction and the relativity of simultaneity. We report on the physics and technology underpinning the simulation, and our experience using it for teaching special relativity to first year students.

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OpenAlex reports 49 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

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Available abstract

“Real Time Relativity” is a computer program that lets users move at relativistic speeds through a simulated world populated with planets, clocks, and buildings. The counterintuitive and spectacular optical effects of relativity are prominent, while systematic exploration of the simulation allows the user to discover relativistic effects such as length contraction and the relativity of simultaneity. We report on the physics and technology underpinning the simulation, and our experience using it for teaching special relativity to first year students.

Key concepts: Theory of relativity, Special relativity, Physics, Counterintuitive, Four-force, Length contraction, Time dilation, Tests of special relativity

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