Berlin 2015 – scientific programme

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AGPhil: Arbeitsgruppe Philosophie der Physik

AGPhil 5: Rods, Clocks, Space and Energy in General Relativity

AGPhil 5.4: Talk

Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 17:00–17:30, A 060

Operationalization of relativistic energy-momentum — •Bruno Hartmann — Perimeter Institute, Waterloo, Canada — Humboldt Universitaet, Berlin

We present a novel approach to the foundation of physical theory, which begins with interrogations on practical measurements. Last time such approach had been successfully considered was by Einstein for the foundation of relativistic Kinematics. For the (so far unresolved) foundation problem of Dynamics we start from Hermann von Helmholtz analysis of basic measurements, as in known, very old procedure of length measurements by repeated placement of unit sticks one after the other.

We begin from definitions, which have a practical dimension. We introduce the measure of energy and momentum by pre-theoretic comparison (known from work experience): ''more impact potential'' (momentum) - if in a collision one object overruns the other - and ''more effect potential'' (energy) - if the kinetic effect of one source exceeds the effect of the other. With our calorimeter model (built by coupling congruent standard interactions of irrelevant inner structure) we can express their value also numerically (how many times more). We uncover the origin of true physical quantities of energy, momentum and inertial mass. From simple measurement-methodical principles - without mathematical presuppositions - we derive all fundamental equations of relativistic Dynamics. By genetic explanation of basic measures out of physical operations one can address and understand consequences and limitations of its mathematical formalism.