The discussion centers on the timing of signals emitted from transmitters moving at constant velocity versus those that are accelerating, specifically in relation to an observer. It explores whether the signals would arrive simultaneously when emitted from the same relative distance, and considers the implications of the transmitters receding from or approaching the observer.
Participants express differing views on whether the timing of the signals would be the same under the specified conditions. There is no clear consensus, as some assert that the speed of light remains constant while others highlight the complexities introduced by acceleration.
The discussion involves assumptions about the relative distances and the effects of acceleration on signal timing, which remain unresolved. The implications of the observers' frames of reference and the definitions of constant velocity versus acceleration are also not fully explored.
brightonb said:Would a signal sent from a transmitter, traveling at constant velocity toward an observer, arrive at the same time if it were accelerating toward that observer? The signals are sent at the same relative distance from the observer. Would the result be the same if the transmitters were receding from the observer?
Would a signal sent from a transmitter, traveling at constant velocity toward an observer,
Would a signal sent from a transmitter arrive at the same time if it were sent from the same distance approaching as receding from the observer?
Naty1 said:You have constrained you inquiry by the phrase "traveling at constant velocity" so of course any two signals traveling at the same constant velocity would arrive at the same time from the same distance.
I think your real question is
and the answer is "yes" because the speed of electromagnetic radiation (say, light) is independent of the speed of the source or the observer.
Both signals will have the same velocity. The state of motion (velocity, acceleration, etc) of the emitter is irrelevant.brightonb said:Only one source is moving at constant velocity, the other is accelerating but they both transmit a signal from the same location. e.g., the c.v. source could be moving at 100 mph while the accel source could be at 1000 mph at the transmission time.