Mr. Tompkins in Wonderland - a clarification

  • Context: Undergrad 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of length contraction and relativity as illustrated in the book "Mr. Tompkins in Wonderland." Participants explore the implications of Mr. Tompkins riding a bike at a speed close to that of light and how this affects the perception of size between him and stationary observers.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how length contraction works in the context of Mr. Tompkins moving at relativistic speeds, questioning who sees whom as thinner.
  • Another participant asserts that both Mr. Tompkins and the observers on the sidewalk would see each other as thinner due to their relative motion.
  • A link to additional resources about the book is provided by a participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the specifics of length contraction and how it is perceived by different observers. The initial confusion remains unresolved, with differing interpretations presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions underlying the interpretations of length contraction, nor does it resolve the specifics of visual perception at relativistic speeds.

ahaanomegas
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I don't have the book Mr. Tompkins in Wonderland, but I have heard about it. A little introduction is needed. Mr. Tompkins lives in a world where the speed of light is 20 mph. Here, of course, relativity must be taken into account almost always. I was wondering about length contraction, though. If Mr. Tompkins is riding his bike at a speed close to that of light, he looks thinner to those standing on the sidewalk and the men on the sidewalk look fatter to Mr. Tompkins. Am I right? I'm a little confused about that about what is seen to whom and who sees what.

Thanks in advance!
 
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No. If Mr Topkins is moving at speed v relative to the people on the side walk, then they are moving at speed v relative to him. He sees them as thinner and they see him as thinner than if they were motionless relative to him.
 
Nice link, thanks.
 

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