What happens when two length contracted ladders move through the same garage?

  • Thread starter kmarinas86
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Paradox
In summary, the conversation discusses two scenarios involving length contracted ladders and a garage. In one scenario, the ladder is entering and exiting the garage, while in the other scenario, the garage is passing over the ladder. The question arises about what would happen if two ladders were moving in opposite directions through the same garage. It is noted that in the last diagram, the second ladder spends less time inside the garage, which is inconsistent with the previous diagram. The conversation ends with a thank you for clarification.
  • #1
kmarinas86
979
1
kmarinas86 said:
Figure 4: Scenario in the garage frame: a length contracted ladder entering and exiting the garage
250px-Ladder_Paradox_GarageScenario.svg.png


Figure 5: Scenario in the ladder frame: a length contracted garage passing over the ladder
250px-Ladder_Paradox_LadderScenario.svg.png

So what happens if we have TWO ladders moving in opposite directions through the same garage?

Figure 4: Scenario in the garage frame: a length contracted ladder entering and exiting the garage

attachment.php?attachmentid=44017&stc=1&d=1329437190.png


Figure 5: Scenario in the ladder frame: a length contracted garage passing over the ladder

attachment.php?attachmentid=44018&stc=1&d=1329437190.png


Something's amiss.

How, in the last diagram, does the second ladder (the one faster than garage) spend LESS time inside the garage so that (unlike as depicted in the last diagram) the faster ladder doesn't hit the doors of the garage.
 

Attachments

  • 250px-(DOUBLE)Ladder_Paradox_GarageScenario.svg.png
    250px-(DOUBLE)Ladder_Paradox_GarageScenario.svg.png
    3.1 KB · Views: 512
  • 250px-(DOUBLE)Ladder_Paradox_LadderScenario.svg.png
    250px-(DOUBLE)Ladder_Paradox_LadderScenario.svg.png
    4.4 KB · Views: 502
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
In Fig 5 you have both ladders entering simultaneously. That's incompatible with them entering simultaneously in Fig 4. (Ditto exiting.)
 
  • #3
DrGreg said:
In Fig 5 you have both ladders entering simultaneously. That's incompatible with them entering simultaneously in Fig 4. (Ditto exiting.)

Thanks.
 

What is the double ladder paradox?

The double ladder paradox, also known as the ladder and barn paradox, is a thought experiment in physics that explores the concept of length contraction and time dilation in special relativity.

How does the double ladder paradox work?

In the thought experiment, two ladders are placed parallel to each other and are moving at high speeds in opposite directions. According to special relativity, the length of each ladder will appear shorter to an observer on the other ladder due to length contraction. This leads to a paradox where both ladders appear to fit in a shorter barn even though they are the same length.

What is the significance of the double ladder paradox?

The double ladder paradox highlights the strange and counterintuitive effects of special relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction. It also emphasizes the importance of considering the frame of reference when making observations in physics.

Can the double ladder paradox be observed in real life?

While the double ladder paradox is a thought experiment, similar effects can be observed in real-life situations involving objects moving at high speeds, such as fast-moving spacecraft or particles in accelerators.

How does the double ladder paradox relate to other paradoxes in physics?

The double ladder paradox is similar to other paradoxes in physics, such as the twin paradox, which also explores the effects of special relativity on time and space. These paradoxes challenge our understanding of the world and have led to significant advancements in our understanding of physics.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
9
Views
311
Replies
24
Views
5K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
60
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
10K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
821
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
12
Views
1K
Back
Top