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ERIC Number: EJ924775
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006-Aug
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 21
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0926-7220
"Time: What Is It that It Can Be Measured?"
Raju, C. K.
Science & Education, v15 n6 p537-551 Aug 2006
Experiments with the simple pendulum are easy, but its motion is nevertheless confounded with simple harmonic motion. However, refined theoretical models of the pendulum can, today, be easily taught using software like CALCODE. Similarly, the cycloidal pendulum is isochronous only in simplified theory. But what "are" theoretically equal intervals of time? Newton accepted Barrow's even tenor hypothesis, but conceded that "equal motions" did not exist--the refutability of Newtonian physics is independent of time measurement. However, time measurement was the key difficulty in reconciling Newtonian physics with electrodynamics. On Poincare's criterion of convenience, equal intervals of time ought be so defined as to make the enunciation of physics simple. Hence he "postulated" constancy of the speed of light. (The Michelson-Morley experiment was not critical.) The theory of relativity followed. But does there exist a proper clock?
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A