- #1
phyti
- 452
- 8
1. Ann's light clock uses a single photon that oscillates vertically between two mirrors separated by a distance d. She leaves the space station, accelerates to a constant .2c in a random direction labeled x.
For her clock to continue working, the photon must move vertically as before, and simultaneoulsly horizontally along x. If the photon does not acquire the speed of the clock, it must move at an angle relative to the vertical. What causes the angular orientation?
2. Assume the same scenario except the upper mirror is moved vertically to a separation of d/2. Does the clock still work?
For her clock to continue working, the photon must move vertically as before, and simultaneoulsly horizontally along x. If the photon does not acquire the speed of the clock, it must move at an angle relative to the vertical. What causes the angular orientation?
2. Assume the same scenario except the upper mirror is moved vertically to a separation of d/2. Does the clock still work?