Special Relativity in Three-Dimensional Space-Time Frames

Abstract

In Newton’s classical physics, space and time are treated as absolute quantities. Space and time are treated as independent quantities and can be discussed sepa-rately. With his theory of relativity, Einstein proved that space and time are de-pendent and must be treated inseparably. Minkowski adopted a four-dimensional space-time frame and indirectly revealed the dependency of space and time by adding a constraint for an event interval. Since space and time are inseparable, a three-dimensional space-time frame can be constructed by embedding time into space to directly show the interdependency of space and time. The formula for time dilation, length contraction, and the Lorenz transformation can be derived from graphs utilizing this new frame. The proposed three-dimensional space-time frame is an alternate frame that can be used to describe motions of objects, and it may improve teaching and learning Special Relativity and provide additional insights into space and time.