Calculating Maximum Revs/Sec w/ Speed c & Circumference of Disk

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the maximum number of revolutions per second (mrps) for a disk based on its circumference and the speed of light. Participants explore the implications of relativistic effects, particularly in relation to the Ehrenfest paradox and the relationship between the disk's circumference and its radius.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that mrps can be calculated simply as mrps = c / C, where C is the circumference of the disk and c is the speed of light.
  • Another participant points out that the velocity in the lab frame is given by the formula 2*pi*r* revolutions/second, suggesting that the circumference in the disk's own frame is larger than 2*pi*r, referencing the Ehrenfest paradox.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the use of radius and pi in the calculations, questioning why the circumference isn't used directly for the calculation of mrps.
  • One participant acknowledges a realization regarding the previous confusion about the use of circumference versus radius in the context of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit uncertainty regarding the implications of relativistic effects on the calculation of mrps, particularly whether the circumference should be considered in its own frame or the lab frame. Multiple competing views remain on how to approach the problem, and the discussion is unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the frames of reference and the implications of relativistic effects, particularly concerning length contraction and the Ehrenfest paradox. The discussion does not resolve these complexities.

QuantumHop
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I'm assuming the maximum number of revolutions per second for a disk is defined as speed c divided by the circumference of the disk, eg a disk with a circumference of half a meter is allowed to rotate twice as fast per second as a disk with a circumference of one meter.

C = circumfrence of the disk
c = speed of light
mrps = maximum revolutions per second (not meters per second)

So is the value of mrps nice and simple : mrps = c / C

Or are there more complicated relativistic affects, for example does the circumference shrink due to length contraction.
 
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The relationship that the velocity in the lab frame is 2*pi*r* revolutions / second, where r is the radius in the lab frame, doesn't change in the lab frame. The circumference of the disk in its own "frame" (which is not really a frame!) is different (larger) than 2*pi*r however. See any of the threads about the Ehrenfest paradox.
 
pervect said:
The relationship that the velocity in the lab frame is 2*pi*r* revolutions / second, where r is the radius in the lab frame, doesn't change in the lab frame. The circumference of the disk in its own "frame" (which is not really a frame!) is different (larger) than 2*pi*r however. See any of the threads about the Ehrenfest paradox.

I thought something strange was going to happen but wasn't sure, thanks for the info.

I found this link, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehrenfest_paradox

But I can't follow most of the math, why are they complicating things by using radius * pi? If I know the circumference I don't need pi. A circumference of 1m means it can rotate 299792458 times a second.
 
Oh wait I think I see why they don't use its circumference.
 

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