Apparent Space and Time Alterations under the Classical Theories of Light

Applying basic classical physics concepts of time and space, while considering event information was ultimately communicated through light—or electromagnetic—signals, it was shown that proper time interval measured in an inertial reference frame (labeled as the “traveling frame”) between two co-local events occurring at the frame origin underwent apparent alteration and perceived as an altered interval in another inertial frame (labeled as the “stationary frame”), when the two frames were in relative motion. It was shown through obtained modified Galilean transformations that “apparent” length contraction and expansion were associated with “apparent” time dilation and contraction, respectively. In the case the Emission Theory of light was considered, symmetry in regard to the time and space alteration factors between the frames was shown. The known classical Doppler Effect was readily derived from the established alteration factors. For all classical approaches, and in the case of light, the wave length was deemed invariant. In the case the Special Relativity approach was considered, i.e. when the speed of light was assumed constant with respect to all inertial reference frames, inconsistent time “alterations” were perceived, so an ad hoc assumption was required, imposing an artificial conversion factor, leading to the Lorentz transformation, applicable under special conditions of the space coordinates in the direction of motion. Misconceptions in the Special Relativity interpretation of the Lorentz transformation were systematically revealed. Time alteration was perceived dilated for receding frames, and contracted for approaching ones. When the frames receded and then approached during equal proper time intervals, the net time interval is perceived dilated by for the Special Relativity approach, as opposed to for the Light Emission theory. For the Ether Theory assumption, either time dilation or time invariance was obtained depending on whether the traveling frame was taken to be the ether frame. The known relativistic Doppler Effect was readily derived. For the case of light, the perceived frequency exhibiting a blue shift in the case of approaching frames was in line with the established time contraction in this study, contradicting the Special Relativity prediction of time dilation. In addition, the wavelength exhibited an increase in the case of receding frames, whereas it decreased when the source was approaching.