Invariant space-time intervals, clock synchronisation and correct application of Lorentz transformations in special relativity

Abstract

Space-like and time-like invariant space-time intervals are used to analyse measurements of spatial and temporal distances. The former are found to be Lorentz invariant --there is no `relativistic length contraction', whereas the latter exhibit the experimentally confirmed `time dilatation' effect, without, however, `relativity of simultaneity'. It is shown how the spurious predictions of length contraction and relativity of simultaneity arise from the use of inconsistent synchronisation procedures for spatially separated clocks.