Zeno's Paradox Applied to Physics: Can Object B Catch Up?

In summary, the conversation discusses the application of Zeno's Paradox in physics and the possibility of an object B never being able to pass object A, even though B is traveling faster. The perspective of time is also brought into question, with B perceiving time as non-existent while A sees B passing quickly. Ultimately, the validity of this observation is questioned.
  • #1
tortoiseftw
2
0
Ok, so I have been looking at Zeno's Paradox and it occurred to me that it could possibly be applied in physics.

The way i worked it out is like so:

If an object A is traveling at half the speed of light is given a head start in a race vs an object B that is traveling at exactly the speed of light, B will always remain behind A, never being able to catch up or pass object A even though B is going faster. This seems true because from the perspective of B, time is non-existent. So when measuring the distance in the race from the perspective of B, distance covered would be measured in intervals, not time units. At the same time however, if the race is measured from the perspective of A, object A would see B pass it rather quickly because time does exist in the perspective of object A.

So i just wanted to know if anybody thinks this a valid observation? Is it possible that B will pass A, from A's perspective, while simultaneously never being able to pass A from B's own perspective?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Here's Zeno's Paradox for those unfamiliar with it.

http://www.suitcaseofdreams.net/Paradox_Achilles.htm
 
  • #3
Zeno's paradox has been resolved for centuries now. Adding unphysical observers moving at the speed of light makes it even less relevant to physics, not more relevant.
 
Last edited:

1. What is Zeno's Paradox?

Zeno's Paradox is a philosophical thought experiment that aims to challenge the concept of motion and the idea that an object can continuously move from one point to another.

2. How does Zeno's Paradox apply to physics?

Zeno's Paradox highlights the concept of infinite divisibility in space and time, which is a fundamental principle in physics. It questions the possibility of an object ever reaching its destination if it must first travel an infinite number of smaller distances.

3. Can an object ever catch up to another object using Zeno's Paradox?

Under Zeno's Paradox, it is impossible for an object to catch up to another object because there is always an infinite number of smaller distances that must be traveled first. This paradox is used to challenge the concept of motion and the idea that an object can continuously move forward.

4. What implications does Zeno's Paradox have on our understanding of motion?

Zeno's Paradox challenges the concept of continuous motion and raises questions about whether movement is truly possible. It forces us to consider the idea of infinite divisibility in space and time, and how this may affect our understanding of motion and the physical world around us.

5. Are there any proposed solutions to Zeno's Paradox?

There have been various proposed solutions to Zeno's Paradox, including the concept of calculus and mathematical limits, as well as the idea of an infinite series approaching a finite sum. These solutions aim to resolve the paradox by showing that an object can in fact reach its destination, even if it must first travel an infinite number of smaller distances.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
870
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
634
Replies
35
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
27
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
717
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
60
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top