Is Special Relativity Convergent with Classical Physics or Quantum Mechanics?

The premise of Special Relativity (SR) has been widely accepted in mainstream physics, while some scholars argue its fundamental assumptions challenge the consistency with both classical physics and quantum mechanics. This article aims to explore the compatibility of SR with classical physics and quantum mechanics, presenting arguments from various perspectives.

Challenging the Premises of Special Relativity

No absolute speed exists, even for light or electromagnetic (EM) radiation. The emission of light from distant stars and their receding radial velocity relative to the emitter are key points of discussion. Given that the Milky Way may not have existed several billion years ago, the speed of propagation cannot remain constant throughout its journey. This fact challenges the 1st postulate of SR that light travels at the same speed in all inertial frames of reference.

Additionally, the law of causality suggests that no physical quantity can change without a cause. Evidence from stellar aberration and the first postulate itself indicates that all starlight arrives propagating at the constant speed c relative to the emitting star. This implies that the speed of propagation must change somewhere during the journey. However, this violates Einstein's second postulate, which asserts the constancy of light speed in all frames of reference.

The fallacy of this postulate undermines the Lorentz space-time transformation, including its imaginary theoretical subluminal speed limit. If the second postulate is false, the entire framework of SR falls apart, leading to a reevaluation of existing theories based on it, such as Lorentz invariance.

Understanding the Emptiness and Space

The absence of a definitive control on the changing speed of EM propagation in empty space between galaxies remains a fundamental question. Observations of gravitational waves and their speed synchronization with gamma waves from LIGO support the existence of a 'gravitational ether' acting as a zero-speed reference point. This ether concept could influence both EM and gravitational propagation.

The inverse Doppler transform, defined by c pm v/c, eliminates the need for an inappropriate mathematical symmetry and the absurdity of reciprocal physical contractions.

Revisiting Experimental Evidence and Flawed Analyses

Several experiments intended to measure the Lorentz factor include those that have been historically flawed. For instance, the Hafele-Keating experiment, which was used to test time dilation effects, incorrectly excluded centrifugal effects. The analysis of the observed results showed that the time dilations were primarily due to gravitational redshift, highlighting the need for more accurate experimental setups.

Modified classical Doppler factors satisfy evidence from numerous experiments, such as Michelson-Morley, Sagnac, stellar aberration, and high-energy particle physics. The Hafele-Keating reanalysis, which included centrifugal forces, provided a more accurate and consistent interpretation of the observed data.

Conclusion

The compatibility of Special Relativity with classical physics and quantum mechanics remains a topic of ongoing debate. While SR's core principles have been foundational for modern physics, the discussed challenges highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanics, especially in scenarios involving light propagation, gravity, and the nature of space-time.

Further research and experiments are crucial to reconcile these discrepancies, potentially leading to a more unified and comprehensive understanding of the laws governing the universe.