Synchronized Clocks and Time on a Rotating Disc

Richard Lenk^1,

¹Institute of Physics, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany

Cite this paper:
Richard Lenk. Synchronized Clocks and Time on a Rotating Disc. International Journal of Physics. 2013; 1(5):115-120. doi: 10.12691/ijp-1-5-4

Abstract

Basic for the definition of “time” are clocks operating under stationary conditions. In this manuscript synchronized clocks and time on a disc rotating with constant angular velocity are investigated independent of relativity theory. The periods of two clocks can be compared with each other via two return experiments. The central clock mediates between the rotating and the inertial frame. Dimensional arguments and a detailed deduction show that the period of a rotating clock, measured externally in the inertial system, is the same as the internally defined one. There is a common synchron-time, especially “absolute” simultaneity and invariance of flight times hold. This allows a new discussion of the twin problem. The invariance of a rotating circle allows the transference of the inertial polar coordinates to the rotating plane. The flight time of a light pulse obeys a generalized Fermat’s principle. If rays are well defined, this time of flight determines the phase shift of the wave and the result of interference experiments. All general considerations and proofs are independent of the relativity theory, especially of the concept of local inertial systems and differential-geometrical techniques.

Keywords:
invariance of periods common time Fermat’s principle interference

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