Contradiction in Relativistic Simultaneity in Taylor-Wheeler Spacetime Physics?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the contradiction in relativistic simultaneity as presented in Taylor and Wheeler's "Spacetime Physics." Specifically, the narrative in figure 3-1 conflicts with the text in section 2.7 regarding the recording of lightning strike events on a moving train. Observers on the embankment perceive the strikes as simultaneous, while the observer on the train concludes otherwise due to the light travel time. This highlights the frame-dependent nature of simultaneity in special relativity, emphasizing that events perceived as simultaneous in one frame may not be so in another.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with Einstein's synchronization convention
  • Knowledge of light travel time and its implications
  • Ability to analyze thought experiments in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Einstein synchronization convention in detail
  • Explore the implications of simultaneity in different inertial frames
  • Learn about the invariant spacetime interval and its applications
  • Examine other thought experiments related to special relativity, such as the "twin paradox"
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on special relativity, as well as anyone interested in the philosophical implications of simultaneity in different reference frames.

  • #61
ghwellsjr said:
,it cannot be true that the light arrives at the remote locations simultaneously for two observers with a speed difference between them.
Have you read post 55 and the related section of Einsteins 1905 Paper? Do you disagree with something in Einsteins analysis?
JM
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #62
No, I don't disagree with anything Einstein said or anything you quoted him as saying. Note that he talked about two different frames, the "stationary frame" and the "moving frame".

But you misquoted me, here is what I said:

"The reason you think it's true is because you are switching between frames for the two observers but in anyone frame, it cannot be true that the light arrives at the remote locations simultaneously for two observers with a speed difference between them."

Can't you see that this is in agreement with what Einstein said?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 221 ·
8
Replies
221
Views
15K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
7K