Found a way around relativity of simultaneity

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on a modification of the thought experiment regarding the relativity of simultaneity in Einstein's theory of relativity. The proposed scenario involves two watchmen pulling ropes simultaneously upon witnessing lightning strikes at points A and B, suggesting that the instantaneous nature of the rope's movement could imply absolute simultaneity. However, participants clarify that the speed of the pulling wave does not equate to the speed of light, and thus, the relativity of simultaneity remains intact. The conversation emphasizes that simultaneity is frame-dependent and cannot be universally asserted across different reference frames.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of simultaneity in different reference frames
  • Basic knowledge of wave propagation and speed of light
  • Ability to perform Lorentz transformations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Einstein's theory of relativity, focusing on the relativity of simultaneity
  • Learn about Lorentz transformations and their applications in physics
  • Explore the implications of wave propagation speeds in different media
  • Investigate the philosophical implications of simultaneity and reference frames in physics
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, students of physics, and anyone interested in the nuances of relativity and the nature of simultaneity in different frames of reference.

  • #31
left rope event occurs at (0.75, -1.25) in train frame and perceives at (12.5, -7.5). So, to travel (- 1.25 - 7.5) = 8.75 spatial distance with 0.53 speed requires 16.51 sec.
-7.5 - (-1.25) = -6.25
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Ich has pointed out what I was going to. ( I had a longer reply ready but then lost it).

You transposed the distances traveled by the wave.

The left wave travels a distance of 6.25 ls at a speed of ~0.53c, which takes 11.75 sec (after correcting for the rounding error introduced by the inaccurate value for the speed.)

And in turn, the right wave travels 8.75 ls at a speed of ~0.66c, which takes 13.25 sec (after making the same rounding correction.)

Using the correct values you get the same answer as above. The right wave leaves at -0.75 sec, and the left leaves at 0.75 sec, and both reach the platform at 12.5 sec according to the rest frame of the train.
 
  • #33
Ok, so that is the error. I am very sorry for that.

The calculation perfectly shows 0.75 for left event and -0.75 for right event.

I have checked the maths by putting watchmen in both frame. Both observer sees that platform ropes meet at platform observer simultaneously and both observer sees that train ropes meet at train observer unsimultaneously if the events is simultaneous in platform frame and unsimultaneous in train frame.

Thanks to all.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 116 ·
4
Replies
116
Views
9K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 221 ·
8
Replies
221
Views
15K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
7K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K