The Effects of Relativity on a Bulb Setup

In summary, the angle the wires make with the plane changes to phi when the setup is seen by an observer moving at a speed v relative to it.
  • #1
anantchowdhary
372
0
The following diagram is of a setup consisting of
A bulb
A pair of wires...making an angle theta with the place the bulb lies in


now if the setup is seen by an observer moving at a speed 'v' relative

the angle the wires make with the plane changes to phi>theta(i can provide the equations to prove this if needed...i might hav gone wrong...but I've cheked it so far..)

Now to the observer moving relative to the setup...the wires make a different angle...so what does that observer see?


does he see the bulb giving off light..if he does..then from his point of view...there is no energy being provided ..so how does the bulb provide light...

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/fcf29f98a3.jpg
 
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  • #2
Those equations should also show that the bulb is now closer to the battery..
 
  • #3
Even though..theyr closer...wouldnt the width of the cavity containing the battry also contract...slo it wudnt make a difference...also the bulb's width would contract..
 
  • #4
please help!
 
  • #5
All linear dimensions along the direction of motion will "appear" contracted from the moving frame. Why do you think that that somehow implies that contact will be broken?
 
  • #6
If you draw a right triangle with the wires as the hypotenuse, only the horizontal side of the triangle (the base) will be shrunk by length contraction, and it will be shrunk by exactly the same factor as the distance from the battery to the base of the bulb, so naturally the wires will still be in contact with the bulb. Different reference frames never disagree on local physical facts like whether two objects touch!
 
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  • #7
but what about the change in the angle theta?
 
  • #8
anantchowdhary said:
but what about the change in the angle theta?
What about it? Think of a ladder leaning against a wall at some angle. "Viewed" from a moving frame, the distance between the bottom of the ladder and the wall will be contracted. Of course it also appears to have a different angle with respect to the wall. (It better!)

Everything (triangles included) "appears" narrower along the direction of motion.
 
  • #9
hmm...thnx..im getting it...

thnx a lot
 

1. How does relativity impact the functioning of a bulb setup?

Relativity, specifically the theory of special relativity, has a significant impact on the functioning of a bulb setup. This theory states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion, regardless of their relative velocities. As a result, the speed of light is constant for all observers, which affects the way light bulbs behave in a setup.

2. What is the difference between the effects of relativity on a bulb setup and a regular setup?

The main difference between the effects of relativity on a bulb setup and a regular setup is the concept of time dilation. According to relativity, time is not absolute and can be affected by factors such as velocity and gravity. This means that in a bulb setup, where light is traveling at high speeds, time will appear to pass slower for the bulb than for an observer in a regular setup.

3. Can relativity cause any malfunctions in a bulb setup?

In most cases, relativity will not cause any malfunctions in a bulb setup. However, in extreme cases where the velocity or gravity is significantly high, the effects of time dilation may cause the light bulbs to appear dimmer or flicker. This is due to the distortion of time and space caused by the high speeds or gravity, which can affect the behavior of light.

4. How do scientists account for relativity in bulb setup experiments?

In order to account for the effects of relativity in bulb setup experiments, scientists must take into consideration the relative velocities and gravitational forces in the setup. This may involve adjusting the setup to minimize these effects, or using advanced mathematical equations and calculations to accurately measure and account for them.

5. Is it possible to observe the effects of relativity on a bulb setup in everyday life?

While the effects of relativity on a bulb setup may not be noticeable in everyday life, they can be observed and measured through advanced scientific experiments and technology. For example, high-speed particle accelerators and telescopes can provide evidence of the time dilation and other effects of relativity on light and other objects in the universe.

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