Is the Distance Traveled by Light Affected by Time Dilation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between light travel distance and time dilation, particularly in the context of the light clock thought experiment. Participants explore how the Pythagorean theorem applies when considering horizontal distances in moving frames, questioning whether length contraction affects these measurements. It is established that the horizontal distance measured in the moving frame does not require length contraction, as it reflects the observed distance traveled by light in that frame. The conversation clarifies that the length contraction formula is derived from time dilation principles but does not directly influence the measurements in this scenario.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Familiarity with the light clock thought experiment
  • Knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem in physics
  • Concept of length contraction in special relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the time dilation equation in special relativity
  • Explore the implications of the light clock thought experiment on time measurement
  • Investigate the mathematical formulation of length contraction
  • Examine real-world applications of time dilation and length contraction in modern physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching relativity concepts, and anyone interested in the implications of time dilation on light travel and measurement in moving frames.

cragar
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When you derive the time dilation equation, and you see the light move straight down in one frame and in the other frame you see it move on a diagonal because the object is moving.
My question is in the moving frame when you use the horizontal distance to derive the distance that the light travels using Pythagorean theorem. It seems that the horizontal distance would be length contracted , or unless the ruler used to measure that distance is also length contracted. But isn't the length contraction formula derived using time dilation?
 
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In the light clock thought experiment, which is what I assume you are talking about, the horizontal distance is the distance the light clock traveled as measured by the other frame. No length contraction needed.
 
yes I am talking about the light clock, okay so it would be the observed distance traveled in the other frame, so you I guess it wouldn't matter.
thanks for your answer
 

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