Monkey and Hunter Problem - General Relativity?

In summary, the monkey and hunter problem involves observing an experiment in an accelerated frame of reference, where a dart or pulse of light is fired at a monkey. In the stationary frame of reference, the dart or light pulse will miss the monkey, but in the accelerated frame of reference, the monkey will be hit. This implies a relationship between gravity, space, and time, potentially leading to the concept of general relativity.
  • #1
SpartanG345
70
1
Hi
You guys probably have heard about the monkey and hunter problem.

Basically in the monkey an hunter problem you can see the dart hits all the time if you observe the experiment in an accelerated frame of reference ie your falling with the monkey. You see the bullet travel in a straight line and the monkey stationary. The collision occurs exactly at the same time for both accelerated and stationary frames of reference

Basically i modified it slight with this thought experiment.

- Pretend the monkey is very small
- instead of firing a dart fire a very small pulse of light like a photon.

Observing from the 1st frame of reference you see the pulse miss the monkey it travels in a straight line and the monkey drops a bit

In the second accelerated frame of reference
The the pulse of light can either travel in a parabola if you apply the frame of reference transformation rules ( adding -g to every object), which doesn't make sense since light cannot accelerate

Or the pulse of light will travel in a straight line and this time HIT the monkey since the monkey is stationary in the accelerated frame of reference therefore the frames of reference are no longer equivalent.

Implying a relation ship between gravity space and time for equivalence to hold... don't know if this leads to general relativity...?
 
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  • #2
Light bends in gravity... yep.
 

1. What is the Monkey and Hunter Problem in General Relativity?

The Monkey and Hunter Problem, also known as the Einstein Elevator Problem, is a thought experiment that explores the concept of general relativity. It involves a hunter with a gun in an elevator, and a monkey hanging from the ceiling. The elevator begins to accelerate upwards, causing the monkey to fall towards the hunter. The question is, will the hunter be able to shoot the monkey before it reaches him?

2. What does the Monkey and Hunter Problem demonstrate about general relativity?

The Monkey and Hunter Problem demonstrates two key principles of general relativity: the equivalence principle and the curvature of spacetime. The equivalence principle states that the effects of gravity cannot be distinguished from the effects of acceleration. In this thought experiment, the acceleration of the elevator creates the same effect as gravity. The curvature of spacetime refers to the idea that massive objects, like the Earth, cause a curvature in the fabric of space and time, which affects the motion of other objects.

3. How does the Monkey and Hunter Problem relate to real-world situations?

The Monkey and Hunter Problem is a simplified version of real-world situations that occur in space, such as the orbit of planets around the sun. In these scenarios, the planets are constantly falling towards the sun due to the curvature of spacetime caused by its massive gravitational pull. The Monkey and Hunter Problem also demonstrates the concept of time dilation, where time moves slower in stronger gravitational fields. This has been observed and measured in experiments using atomic clocks.

4. Are there any limitations to the Monkey and Hunter Problem in understanding general relativity?

While the Monkey and Hunter Problem is a useful thought experiment, it is important to note that it is a simplified scenario and does not fully capture the complexity of general relativity. In real-world situations, there are many other factors at play, such as the rotation of objects and the presence of other massive bodies. Additionally, the problem assumes a flat spacetime, which is not always the case in the real world.

5. What other thought experiments are commonly used to explain general relativity?

Aside from the Monkey and Hunter Problem, another common thought experiment used to explain general relativity is the Twin Paradox. This thought experiment involves two identical twins, one of whom stays on Earth while the other travels through space at high speeds. When the traveling twin returns to Earth, they will have aged less than the twin who stayed on Earth, demonstrating the effects of time dilation. Other thought experiments include the Rindler Horizons and the Black Hole Information Paradox.

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