Blackboard tool for explaining special theory of relativity.

• This is a (stand alone) Java program designed to act as a chalkboard for explaining resolution of special relativity paradoxes.
• The GUI contains 2 parts, (1) drawing area on which user can draw space-time diagrams (2) control area with sliders with which user can adjust the viewers reference frame, and buttons for selecting functions.
• The GUI is implemented using the old AWT.
• The operation is approximately according to MVC, with all state stored in a simple database.
• This was done during spring break of 2006, and is not yet fully functional, although it is sufficiently functional for illustrating simple scenarios.


• I wrote this because I wanted a relatively easy way to explain special relativity to my non-technical friends.
• The program allows one to draw a space-time diagram of some situation.
• The user can adjust the scale parameters of the drawing so that relativistic effects become significant.
• The user can adjust the velocity of the viewer's reference frame, causing the program to perform the Lorenz transform graphically on the diagram.
• The program classes are located in: a subdirectory of my relativity folder.