Time Contraction in Lorentz Transforms?

In summary: If the spatial dimension is being diminished then the time it takes for the light to reach the rear wall would be shortened, correct?Yes, that is correct.
  • #1
cynopolis
8
0
The question I have is to do with the Relativity of Simultaneity of the type described by Einsten; whereby two light emitters are placed pulsing once every millisecond on board a spaceship traveling at the speed of light. One of these lights faces forward and the other faces aft. If time dilates in order for the laws of physics to remain the same in all reference frames, shouldn't time in the aft part of the ship contract to deal with the fact that the light has arrived at the rear of the ship faster than intended (so to speak)?

Also if the spaceship has undergone a length contraction, while the angle of the light remains constant in space-time, shouldn't the the light ray - that makes contact with the rear wall of the ship early - continue to move in time to account for the disparagement in the spatial dimension, resulting in it appearing to be frozen to the wall?

If you draw this out you will notice that the light will remain on the rear wall until the forward light reaches its destination, reinstating simultaneity, if only for a brief and, admittedly, lopsided time. Your thoughts on this?
 
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  • #2
Does anyone follow me?
 
  • #3
cynopolis said:
The question I have is to do with the Relativity of Simultaneity of the type described by Einsten; whereby two light emitters are placed pulsing once every millisecond on board a spaceship traveling at the speed of light. One of these lights faces forward and the other faces aft. If time dilates in order for the laws of physics to remain the same in all reference frames, shouldn't time in the aft part of the ship contract to deal with the fact that the light has arrived at the rear of the ship faster than intended (so to speak)?
No. Clocks anywhere in the moving ship will be seen as running slow by the same factor.

Also if the spaceship has undergone a length contraction, while the angle of the light remains constant in space-time, shouldn't the the light ray - that makes contact with the rear wall of the ship early - continue to move in time to account for the disparagement in the spatial dimension, resulting in it appearing to be frozen to the wall?
No.

If you draw this out you will notice that the light will remain on the rear wall until the forward light reaches its destination, reinstating simultaneity, if only for a brief and, admittedly, lopsided time. Your thoughts on this?
Not sure what you are talking about.
 
  • #4
Ok thanks for those answers.

With regard to the first one though. Time dilation doesn't effect the speed of light (which is a constant) and therefore could not effect the amount of time it takes to the aft light to reach the rear wall. As the rear wall is accelerating towards the beam of light, causing that beam to collide sooner, and the speed of light is supposed to dictate order of events doesn't that mean that time should speed up at the back of the space ship? Please explain your answer.
 
  • #5
Oh no wait, I get it.
 

1. What is time contraction in Lorentz transforms?

Time contraction refers to the phenomenon where the time interval between two events is perceived differently by observers in different reference frames, as described by the special theory of relativity. This effect is a result of the Lorentz transformation, which accounts for the differences in perception of time and space between observers moving at different velocities.

2. How does time contraction affect our perception of time?

Time contraction does not necessarily affect our perception of time in everyday life. It is only noticeable when objects are moving at speeds close to the speed of light. In these extreme conditions, time dilation and time contraction can be observed, leading to differences in our perception of time.

3. Can time contraction be observed in everyday life?

No, time contraction is not noticeable in everyday life because objects are not moving at speeds close to the speed of light. The effects of time dilation and time contraction only become apparent at extremely high speeds, which are not achievable in our daily lives.

4. How is time contraction related to the theory of relativity?

Time contraction is a fundamental concept in the special theory of relativity, which explains how time and space are perceived differently by observers moving at different velocities. It is a result of the Lorentz transformation, which is a mathematical equation that describes the relationship between time and space in different reference frames.

5. Is time contraction a proven phenomenon?

Yes, time contraction has been proven through numerous experiments and observations, such as the famous Hafele-Keating experiment in which atomic clocks were flown around the world at different speeds. The results of these experiments have consistently shown that time contraction is a real and measurable phenomenon in our universe.

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