Photons Perceive Universe as 2D: A Curious State?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter LHarriger
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    2d Photons Universe
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion explores the perception of the universe from the standpoint of a photon, utilizing the principles of Lorentz contraction and time dilation. According to the Lorentz contraction formula, L = L_{0}\sqrt{1-u^2/c^2}, when u equals the speed of light (c), the length of the universe in the direction of travel contracts to zero. Additionally, the time dilation equation, \bar{t} = \frac{t}{\sqrt{1-u^2/c^2}}, indicates that any time measured by an observer corresponds to zero time for the photon. This leads to the conclusion that a photon perceives itself as timeless and stationary on a two-dimensional plane.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz contraction in special relativity
  • Knowledge of time dilation principles in physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of the speed of light (c)
  • Basic grasp of two-dimensional geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Lorentz contraction in advanced physics
  • Study time dilation effects in high-speed travel scenarios
  • Explore the concept of spacetime and its relation to photons
  • Investigate previous discussions on photon perception in physics forums
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of relativity, and anyone interested in the conceptual understanding of light and its properties in the universe.

LHarriger
Messages
68
Reaction score
0
I was trying to envision the universe from the standpoint of a photon and it seems that based on the Lorentz contraction:
L = L_{0}\sqrt{1-u^2/c^2}
since u = c this implies that, from the photons point of view, the length of the universe in the photons direction of travel contracts to zero.
Moreover, based on time dialation
\bar{t} = \frac{t}{\sqrt{1-u^2/c^2}}
since u = c any time t-bar measured by an observer will correspond to a zero time measurement by the photon.
Does all this mean that a photon observes itself as stuck timeless and stationary on a 2D sheet?
This just seems like a curious state of affairs and I was wondering if my reasoning was correct.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
LHarriger said:
I was trying to envision the universe from the standpoint of a photon and it seems that based on the Lorentz contraction:
L = L_{0}\sqrt{1-u^2/c^2}
since u = c this implies that, from the photons point of view, the length of the universe in the photons direction of travel contracts to zero.
Moreover, based on time dialation
\bar{t} = \frac{t}{\sqrt{1-u^2/c^2}}
since u = c any time t-bar measured by an observer will correspond to a zero time measurement by the photon.
Does all this mean that a photon observes itself as stuck timeless and stationary on a 2D sheet?
This just seems like a curious state of affairs and I was wondering if my reasoning was correct.
There was an earlier discussion on this topic: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=107741" already. Perhaps it answers your question.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 55 ·
2
Replies
55
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K