Contesting and Testing Infinitesimal Lorentz Transformations and the Associated Equivalence Principle
Ronald R. Hatch
Evidence is presented to show that infinitesimal Lorentz transformations (ILTs) contradict the ?clock hypothesis? that acceleration affects the clock rate only indirectly through the resultant velocity. But the clock hypothesis has substantial supporting experimental evidence. It is also shown that the equivalence principle, upon which the general relativity is based, depends on the validity of ILTs. In addition, a fairly simple M?ssbauer experiment on the International Space Station is suggested, which would clearly indicate whether or not the ILTs are valid. However, it is also shown that a careful consideration of clocks on the earth already provides equivalent experimental data, which indicates that ILTs are invalid.
