How Long Does a Meter Stick Appear When Traveling at Light Speed?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of how long a meter stick appears to an observer when it is traveling at the speed of light. Participants explore the implications of this scenario, particularly in relation to the principles of special relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula for length contraction, indicating an attempt to calculate how a meter stick would appear at light speed.
  • Another participant suggests that the question is a trick, implying that a meter stick cannot travel at the speed of light relative to an observer.
  • Some participants reiterate that the premise of the question is flawed because objects with mass, like a meter stick, cannot reach the speed of light.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a meter stick cannot travel at the speed of light, but there is disagreement on the implications of this scenario and whether it can be analyzed using the provided formula.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the assumptions made about objects traveling at light speed and the applicability of the length contraction formula in such cases.

Aprilshowers
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I know the formula to use for this problem, but cannot seem to make
it come out with a reasonable answer. Can anyone help?

If a meter stick travels at the speed of light relative to an observer,
how long does the meter stick appear to the observer?

(I cannot seem to make the radical sign or the exponents look right,
but I will do my best!)
Formula: L=Lo (RADICAL SIGN) 1 -v(exponent 2) / c(exponent 2)

Thanks
 
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Trick question. You should not *get* a reasonable answer. Why?
 
Aprilshowers said:
I know the formula to use for this problem, but cannot seem to make
it come out with a reasonable answer. Can anyone help?

If a meter stick travels at the speed of light relative to an observer,
how long does the meter stick appear to the observer?

The root of your problem is that:

A meter stick can't travel at the speed of light relative to an observer.
 
pervect said:
The root of your problem is that:

A meter stick can't travel at the speed of light relative to an observer.

Way to give a subtle hint man... :rolleyes:
 

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