train gets struck by lightning

bfusco

Yeah, I guess you'd define the earth-frame as non-moving.

i think so...taking into account the height of the train "h" and the distance between the observer and the train to be "x", i would say the time it takes for the closer lightning strike to reach the observer behind the train would be t1=[sq.rt(x^2+h^2)]/c. the time t2, for the further lightning strike to reach the observer would be ("L" being the length of the train), t2=[sq.rt((x+L)^2+h^2)]/c, so the difference in time for the ground observer behind the train would be Δt=t2-t1.

if we ignore the height of the train and assume all this happens at say eye level, t1=x/c and t2=(x+L)/c, and Δt=t2-t1

bfusco

i honestly am not sure really, the way i am doing the problem now is simply classical mechanics, and considering we are doing special relativity in class it seems strange that i wouldnt have to apply things i am learning in class. i acknowledge that this question seems a little vague. im going to ask my prof. tomorrow to get a better idea. i appreciate your help, thanks.