Behaviour of measuring rods

[HarleQuinnt]

Apparently a moving rod shrinks. What are the measurements of two moving parallel train tracks?(2 vertical tracks moving horizontally)

 

[Doc Al]

Things are measured to "shrink" only parallel to their direction of motion. So the tracks will get thinner.

 

[Entropia]

The phenomenon of a moving rod appearing to shrink is known as length contraction, which is a consequence of the theory of relativity. According to this theory, as an object's velocity increases, its length in the direction of motion appears to decrease from the perspective of an observer. This is due to the fact that time and space are relative and can change depending on the observer's frame of reference.

In the case of two parallel train tracks moving horizontally, the length contraction would also occur. From the perspective of an observer standing on the ground, the distance between the two tracks would appear to be shorter than their actual length. This is because the train tracks are moving at a high velocity, causing their lengths to contract in the direction of motion.

However, it is important to note that this length contraction is only applicable to the observer's perspective. From the perspective of someone on the moving train, the tracks would appear to be their actual length. This is because the observer is also moving at the same velocity as the train tracks, and therefore their frame of reference is different.

In conclusion, the measurements of the two moving parallel train tracks would differ depending on the observer's frame of reference. From an observer on the ground, the tracks would appear to be shorter due to length contraction, while from an observer on the train, the tracks would appear to be their actual length. This demonstrates the relativity of measurements and the importance of considering the observer's frame of reference in any scientific analysis.