The relativistic mechanism of the Thomas-Wigner rotation and Thomas precession

Abstract

We consider the Thomas-Wigner rotation of coordinate systems under successive Lorentz transformations of inertial reference frames, and disclose its physical mechanism on the basis of the relativistic contraction of moving scale, and the relativity of the simultaneity of events for different inertial observers. This result allows us to better understand the physical meaning of the Thomas precession, and to indicate some overlooked aspects of the physical interpretation of this effect, as related to two specific examples: the circular motion of a classical electron around a heavy nucleus, and the motion of a classical electron along an open path, where its initial velocity and acceleration are mutually orthogonal to each other.