How Thin Can Speed Make Things? 2D Possibilities

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of relativistic speeds on the perceived dimensions of objects, particularly focusing on how objects appear flatter as they approach the speed of light. Participants explore the theoretical limits of this flattening and whether objects can appear two-dimensional (2D).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that as an object approaches the speed of light, it appears increasingly flattened to an observer.
  • Others argue that while an object can appear flatter, it cannot reach a thickness of zero, thus remaining three-dimensional (3D) by definition.
  • One participant suggests that the measured length of an object can get arbitrarily close to zero at high speeds, but it will never actually reach zero.
  • Another point raised discusses the complexity of how objects look at relativistic speeds, noting that different parts of the object are seen at different times, leading to a rotated appearance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent to which an object can appear flattened and whether it can be considered 2D. There is no consensus on the ultimate limits of this flattening effect.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about relativistic effects and the nature of perception at high speeds, which may not be fully resolved. The complexities of visual perception in relation to the speed of light are acknowledged but not definitively clarified.

hsdrop
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it is said that when something gets closer to the speed of light the flatter that thing will look when it pass the observer. i was wondering how flat that thing could look and could truly be 2D ?
 
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hsdrop said:
it is said that when something gets closer to the speed of light the flatter that thing will look when it pass the observer. i was wondering how flat that thing could look and could truly be 2D ?
Well, it can't get all the way to 0 thickness, so it is by definition 3D
 
You can make the measured length of an object arbitrarily close to zero by making it travel fast enough. It never reaches zero, though.

How it actually looks is a rather complicated topic for an object moving near the speed of light because the object moves a significant distance in the time it takes light to cross the object, so you see different parts of the object at different places along its line of travel. I gather it actually looks rotated, at least to a first approximation.
 
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thank you for the insite:partytime:
 

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