Is there any experimental evidence against preferred frame?

In summary, there was a belief among Newton, Poincare, Lorentz, and Einstein in 1921 that there was a preferred frame of reference. However, Einstein changed his mind when he saw that this went against the mainstream. The Michelson Morley experiment and subsequent experiments are considered by most to be proof that there is no preferred frame of reference, but this is a question of philosophical approach to relativity theory. General relativity is still a non-Machian theory, which some see as a shortcoming, but it is not well understood by most physicists. The question then becomes, is there any clear evidence that proves the absence of a preferred frame of reference? However, this is ultimately a question of philosophy and not
  • #1
SpiderET
82
4
Newton, Poincare, Lorentz and Einstein (around 1921) believed that there is a preferred frame of reference. Einstein changed his mind when he saw that he is going against mainstream. Michaelson Morley experiment and subsequent experiments are regarded by most people as proof that there is no preferred frame or reference, but this is a question of philosophical approach to relativity theory, because you can regard contraction and time dilation relative to preferred frame of reference and equotations are still the same.
General relativity is still non Machian theory, which is regarded as shortcoming by some, but most physicist don't understand what does it mean and generally don't care.
So, after short intro, here comes the question: Is there any obvious and clear evidence which is proving that there is no preferred frame of reference?
 
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  • #2
SpiderET said:
this is a question of philosophical approach to relativity theory
There is and can be no experimental evidence of philosophical approaches. We don't discuss philosophy here.

thread closed.

See also https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-is-the-pfs-policy-on-lorentz-ether-theory-and-block-universe.772224/
 
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FAQ: Is there any experimental evidence against preferred frame?

What is the concept of a preferred frame in physics?

The concept of a preferred frame in physics refers to the idea that there exists a specific reference frame in the universe that is considered to be at rest or in a state of no motion. This means that all other frames of reference are moving relative to this preferred frame.

Is there any experimental evidence that supports the existence of a preferred frame?

No, there is currently no experimental evidence that supports the existence of a preferred frame in the universe. The laws of physics, such as the principles of relativity, do not require the existence of a preferred frame and all experimental results can be explained without it.

How does the concept of a preferred frame relate to the theory of relativity?

The theory of relativity, specifically the special theory of relativity, states that the laws of physics are the same in all inertial reference frames, meaning there is no preferred frame. The concept of a preferred frame goes against this fundamental principle of relativity.

Are there any theories or models that incorporate a preferred frame?

There have been some attempts to incorporate a preferred frame into theories and models, such as the Lorentz ether theory, but they have not been widely accepted or supported by experimental evidence. Most modern theories, such as general relativity, do not include a preferred frame.

What would be the implications if experimental evidence against a preferred frame were found?

If experimental evidence were to be found that disproves the concept of a preferred frame, it would fundamentally change our understanding of the laws of physics and the nature of space and time. It would also require a reevaluation of many existing theories and models, as well as potentially leading to the development of new ones.

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