On the invariance of the spacetime interval

We present a geometric proof of the invariance of the relativistic spacetime interval based solely on the constancy of the speed of light, and the homogeneity and isotropy of spacetime. The derivation is based on a simple construction involving light rectangles, whose areas remain invariant across inertial frames. Based on this construction, we also derive the Lorentz transformations.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
American Journal of Physics
Published
2025-12-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0192469
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.31
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

On the invariance of the spacetime interval

Marco Moriconi
2 citations
American Journal of Physics
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
2.31
article

On the invariance of the spacetime interval

Marco Moriconi
article en
2 citations

Abstract

We present a geometric proof of the invariance of the relativistic spacetime interval based solely on the constancy of the speed of light, and the homogeneity and isotropy of spacetime. The derivation is based on a simple construction involving light rectangles, whose areas remain invariant across inertial frames. Based on this construction, we also derive the Lorentz transformations.

American Journal of PhysicsVol. 94(1)
Universidade Federal Fluminense (BR)
Sustainable cities and communities
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Relativity and Gravitational Theory
2.31
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.