How Does Special Relativity Affect Perceptions of Simultaneity?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the implications of special relativity on the perception of simultaneity, particularly through the example of two observers witnessing photons emitted from a moving rectangle. The internal observer perceives the photons exiting simultaneously, while the external observer sees them exiting at different times due to the relative motion of the rectangle. This leads to the conclusion that simultaneity is subjective and dependent on the observer's frame of reference. The discussion also touches on the complexities of synchronizing clocks in different frames, emphasizing that events perceived as simultaneous in one frame may not be in another.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles, specifically the second postulate regarding the speed of light.
  • Familiarity with the concept of reference frames in physics.
  • Basic knowledge of photon behavior and light propagation.
  • Awareness of the implications of simultaneity in relativistic contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the twin paradox in special relativity.
  • Learn about the concept of simultaneity in different inertial frames.
  • Explore the mechanics of synchronizing clocks in special relativity.
  • Investigate the Ehrenfest paradox and its relevance to rotating systems in relativity.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching special relativity, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of time and simultaneity in relativistic physics.

  • #31
Dale said:
The reconciliation is easy: whether something is “intuitive” or not is an opinion. Things are not objectively “intuitive” or not. Since it is an opinion, it can differ from person to person. My opinion is different from @FactChecker
Now everything is clear. Thank you.
 
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  • #32
Dale said:
The reconciliation is easy: whether something is “intuitive” or not is an opinion. Things are not objectively “intuitive” or not. Since it is an opinion, it can differ from person to person. My opinion is different from @FactChecker
Yes, I should have been more clear. The fact that light beams going forward and backward in a relatively moving IRF are measured at the same speed leads me intuitively to accept that the clocks are set differently in that IRF. So the basic conclusion that simultaneity is relative seems intuitive. More than that is not "intuitive" to me.
 
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  • #33
Dale said:
The reconciliation is easy: whether something is “intuitive” or not is an opinion. Things are not objectively “intuitive” or not. Since it is an opinion, it can differ from person to person. My opinion is different from @FactChecker. He and I are allowed to have different opinions.
That's called the relativity of intuition.
 
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