Max Occupation of Spacetime: Lorentz-Fitzgerald Equation

In summary: Objects with mass can't move at light speed.In summary, the conversation discusses the Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction equation and its implications for objects moving at the speed of light and black holes. It questions the interpretation of 'c' as the maximum allowable occupation of spacetime and suggests that there may be a calculatable maximum density for black holes and objects moving at the speed of light. However, it is noted that objects with mass cannot reach the speed of light.
  • #1
Hebob80
11
0
Given the Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction equation:

t = [tex]\sqrt{1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}}[/tex]

'c' can be understood as the maximum allowable occupation of spacetime.

I've seen it written on these boards that black holes are calculated by Einstein's equations as infinitely dense points, which is to say, there is no maximum occupation of spacetime for them. Shouldn't there be?

In the Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation, an object moving the speed of light is calculated as contracting to a single point in the direction of motion, but we can hardly say that this object is infinitely dense, in fact someone on the ship would measure the ship as if it were at rest. So wouldn't the same be true for a black hole? If this is true for black holes, as well as an object moving the speed of light, then wouldn't there be some calculatable maximum density?
 
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  • #2
Hebob80 said:
Given the Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction equation:

t = [tex]\sqrt{1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}}[/tex]

'c' can be understood as the maximum allowable occupation of spacetime.
Huh? I don't understand where you get this interpretation.

Hebob80 said:
In the Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation, an object moving the speed of light is calculated as contracting to a single point in the direction of motion, but we can hardly say that this object is infinitely dense, in fact someone on the ship would measure the ship as if it were at rest.

Material objects can't move at c.
 

1. What is the Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation?

The Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation, also known as the Lorentz transformation, is a mathematical formula that describes the relationship between space and time in the theory of special relativity. It was developed by physicists Hendrik Lorentz and George Francis Fitzgerald in the late 19th century.

2. How does the Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation relate to the concept of spacetime?

The Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation is an essential component of Einstein's theory of special relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space and time. It relates the measurements of space and time in one reference frame to those in another reference frame that is moving at a constant velocity relative to the first. This allows us to understand the concept of spacetime as a unified entity, rather than separate dimensions.

3. Can you explain the significance of the Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation?

The Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation is significant because it helped to resolve a number of paradoxes and inconsistencies in classical physics. It also laid the foundation for Einstein's theory of special relativity, which has had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe and has been confirmed by countless experiments and observations.

4. How is the Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation used in practical applications?

The Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation is used in a variety of practical applications, particularly in fields such as particle physics, electromagnetism, and cosmology. It is also used in the development of technologies such as GPS, which relies on the equations of special relativity to make accurate measurements of time and space.

5. Are there any limitations or criticisms of the Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation?

While the Lorentz-Fitzgerald equation has been extremely successful in describing the behavior of objects moving at high speeds, it has faced some criticism and limitations. For example, it does not account for gravitational effects and does not apply to non-inertial reference frames. Additionally, it is based on the assumption of an all-pervasive, unchanging medium called the "ether," which has since been disproven by experiments.

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