Testing SR with a Rotating Mass: Experiments & Theory

In summary, the conversation discusses the effects of setting up an experiment involving a rotating mass and a high frequency laser light. Theoretically, the mass of the object should increase and create a larger gravitational field, which would then bend the laser light. This can be represented by the force equation and the understanding of Lorentz invariance. The conversation also touches on the concept of the Schwarzschild Radius and how it is determined using the mass of a photon.
  • #1
Phymath
184
0
What if someone set up an experiment, where they sped up a mass of high density in a circle ethier by making its radius smaller and smaller, until the large mass is moving near the speed of light, then at an extremely small highet above this rotating mass you set off a high frequency laser light, theorticly shouldn't the mass of the moving object increase, because of SR, thus having a larger gravitational field, and then the grav field should bend the laser light. It is most likely such a small divergence that it is unmeasureable but wouldn't we expect to see this? According to the force eqaution..

[tex] E = mc^2 = hf \ F = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2} [/tex]
[tex] m = hf/c^2 [/tex] the grav force is acting on the "mass" of the light
[tex] F = \frac{G m_1 hf}{r^2c^2} \ m' = \frac{m_0}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}[/tex]
[tex] F(m_o,v,f,r) = \frac{Gh}{c^2} \frac{m_0}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}} \frac{f}{r^2}[/tex]

which can of course broken into a relation of v to the rotational frequencey of the mass. Also as is my understanding that a grav field effects clocks, so that in this synethic grav field that anything moving through it would have its relative time slow down. ie see everyone else moving slower then they are.
 
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  • #2
am I to assume that all of this seems sound? and that this Force should be expected
 
  • #3
You cannot plug in a mass value for photons this way without breaking Lorentz invariance. Experimental tests have constrained Lorentz invariance violations to no more than one part in 10E20.
 
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  • #4
what is Lorentz invariance?
 
  • #5
i believe u find the Schwarzschild Radius by stating that the "mass" of a photon is hf/c^2 so that a grav field acts on anything with energy.

[tex] U = \frac{G m_1 m_2}{r} \ m_2 = \frac{hf}{c^2} [/tex]
[tex] \frac{1}{2} m v^2 = \frac{G m hf}{rc^2} [/tex]
[tex] \frac{hf}{c^2} v^2 = \frac{2 G m hf}{rc^2} \ v = c [/tex]
[tex] c^2 = \frac{2 G m}{r} \ r = \frac{2Gm}{c^2} [/tex] <- Schwarzschild Radius
 

1. What is the purpose of testing SR with a rotating mass?

The purpose of testing SR with a rotating mass is to experimentally verify and understand the effects of special relativity on objects in motion. By conducting experiments and comparing the results with theoretical predictions, scientists can better understand the principles of special relativity and its implications on our understanding of the universe.

2. How is the theory of special relativity applied in these experiments?

The theory of special relativity is applied by considering the effects of time dilation and length contraction on the rotating mass. The experiments involve measuring the changes in the mass's rotation speed and shape as it approaches relativistic speeds. These changes can then be compared with the predicted values from the theory of special relativity.

3. What are some potential challenges in conducting these experiments?

One potential challenge is accurately measuring the rotation speed of the mass as it approaches relativistic speeds. This requires precise and sensitive equipment. Another challenge is minimizing external factors that could affect the results, such as friction or air resistance. Additionally, ensuring the safety of researchers and equipment at high speeds is also a concern.

4. What have previous experiments with rotating masses shown about special relativity?

Previous experiments have shown that the predictions of special relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction, are accurate and consistent with the theory. For example, the famous Hafele-Keating experiment in 1971 measured the time dilation of atomic clocks on airplanes traveling at high speeds, confirming the predictions of special relativity.

5. How do these experiments contribute to our understanding of the universe?

By testing special relativity with rotating masses, scientists can better understand the fundamental principles of the universe. Furthermore, these experiments can also help us refine and improve the theory of special relativity, which has been crucial in our understanding of the behavior of objects in motion and the structure of the universe.

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