Consequences of LT on Length and Photons

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter DougBTX2
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Length Photons
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of Lorentz transformations (LT) on the perception of length and photons. It establishes that an object at rest in one frame of reference has a length L that contracts to zero when analyzed from the perspective of a photon traveling at the speed of light (c). Douglas clarifies that a Lorentz transformation cannot be applied to the rest frame of a photon, as photons do not possess a rest frame. This highlights the unique nature of light and its interaction with space-time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz transformations (LT)
  • Knowledge of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of inertial reference frames (IRF)
  • Basic comprehension of the speed of light (c) and its implications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulation of Lorentz transformations
  • Explore the implications of special relativity on time dilation and length contraction
  • Study the concept of inertial reference frames in greater detail
  • Investigate the nature of photons and their behavior in the context of relativity
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the principles of special relativity and the behavior of light in different reference frames.

DougBTX2
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hi all,

If I have a length [itex]L_p[/itex] of an object which is at rest in my frame of reference, it will have length [itex]L = L_p (1 - \frac {V^2}{c^2})[/itex] in an inertial reference frame moving with speed [itex]V[/itex] relative to me. If this frame is following a photon at speed [itex]c[/itex], that makes [itex]L = 0[/itex].

If my object is the universe, it seems like my photon thinks it is everywhere at the same time, because the distance to anywhere in its IFR is zero. How does that work?

Douglas
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You cannot make a LT to the rest frame of a photon.
A photon does not have a rest frame.
You have given some reasons why.
 
"LT" = "Lorentz transformation", by the way.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Where is the mistake in this derivation of Length Contraction?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
High School Why does length contraction occur and how does it relate to time dilation?
  • · Replies 63 ·
3
Replies
63
Views
6K
Graduate Orbits of a photon that can't quite cross the photon sphere of a BH
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
979
Undergrad I think the special theory of relativity self-contradicts
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Undergrad Spacetime distance and ruler-measured length on an XT chart
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad How Does Special Relativity Affect Perceptions of Simultaneity?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Undergrad Compute Length Contraction: Is ##l=1## a Possible Model?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
High School Calculating an impossible reference frame as my own homework problem
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
High School Am I understanding the concept of proper frame of reference?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K
High School Take on Length Contraction at relativistic speeds
  • · Replies 115 ·
4
Replies
115
Views
12K