Synchronized clocks in two moving reference frames

In summary, the conversation discusses a confusing homework question about synchronized clocks and light sources in different frames. The first question asks for the velocity of one of the frames, while the second question asks for the distance between the light sources. The given answer to the first question is considered implausible and the question itself is deemed nonsensical due to unclear terminology and assumptions.
  • #1
Faiq
348
16

Homework Statement



My professor gave us a werid question which is as follows
In the laboratory frame, two clocks are synchronized and measure two light sources at the same time situated at 3 years in time axis and 3 light years and 2 light years in x-axis

>At what velocity is the frame ##S'## moving?

>What distance will the traveler measure between the two light sources?

Now apparently the answer to the first question is ##c/\sqrt3##

My question is "Does this question even make sense?" (and yes that is the complete question).

I was told explicitly that the traveler is in ##S'## frame and the light sources are in ##S## frame. Even if I take that assumption is the provided answer plausible?
 
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  • #2
The question makes no sense as written.

Problems that prevent the question making sense are:

* what does 'measure two light sources at the same time' mean?
* what is the frame ##S'##?
* what does it mean to say 'the light sources are in ##S## frame'? We can meaningfully say that an object is stationary in a given frame, or that the coordinates of a spacetime event are such and such in a given frame, but it means nothing to say that a spacetime event or worldline is in a given frame.
 

What is the concept of synchronized clocks in two moving reference frames?

The concept of synchronized clocks in two moving reference frames refers to the idea of two clocks that are in motion relative to each other, but are synchronized so that they both measure the same time at any given moment. This is important in the study of special relativity and helps to understand how time is perceived differently in different frames of reference.

How do synchronized clocks in two moving reference frames behave?

Synchronized clocks in two moving reference frames behave in a way that is consistent with special relativity. This means that if one clock is moving relative to the other, time will appear to pass slower for the moving clock compared to the stationary one. This effect is known as time dilation and is a key aspect of synchronized clocks in two moving reference frames.

What is the relationship between synchronized clocks in two moving reference frames and the speed of light?

The speed of light is constant in all reference frames, which means that it is the same for both the stationary and moving clocks. This plays a crucial role in the synchronization of the clocks, as it allows for a consistent measurement of time between the two frames of reference.

How does the synchronization of clocks in two moving reference frames affect the perception of time?

The synchronization of clocks in two moving reference frames shows that time is not absolute, but rather is relative to the observer's frame of reference. This means that an event that appears to occur simultaneously in one frame of reference may not be simultaneous in another frame of reference due to the effects of time dilation.

What are some real-world applications of synchronized clocks in two moving reference frames?

Synchronized clocks in two moving reference frames have practical applications in various fields such as navigation, telecommunications, and satellite communications. They help to ensure accurate timing between different systems that may be in motion relative to each other, allowing for more precise measurements and communication.

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