- #1
JrAcey
- 1
- 0
Impossible scenario?!?
Aargh, pleeaase help me wrap my head around this whole relativity thing.
We just started the chapter on relativity at uni and our professor is telling us light speed is invariant and wants us to contemplate an impossible hypothetical scenario for next class! Help!
Here's the scenario:
A satellite is launched into deep space with a laser and particle accelerator onboard. The PA accelerates a proton to 97% of the speed of light, opens a hatch, and let's the proton fly out. The laser is situated adjacent to the PA opening and the instant the proton leaves, the laser emits a light pulse in the exact same direction.
OK, the proton is at .97c but yet it must measure the laser pulse racing ahead at light speed and not .03c? HUH??
Who's moving at what speed relative to whom? Doesn't the 97% light speed count for anything?
Aargh, pleeaase help me wrap my head around this whole relativity thing.
We just started the chapter on relativity at uni and our professor is telling us light speed is invariant and wants us to contemplate an impossible hypothetical scenario for next class! Help!
Here's the scenario:
A satellite is launched into deep space with a laser and particle accelerator onboard. The PA accelerates a proton to 97% of the speed of light, opens a hatch, and let's the proton fly out. The laser is situated adjacent to the PA opening and the instant the proton leaves, the laser emits a light pulse in the exact same direction.
OK, the proton is at .97c but yet it must measure the laser pulse racing ahead at light speed and not .03c? HUH??
Who's moving at what speed relative to whom? Doesn't the 97% light speed count for anything?