Plotting Minkowski diagram for 2 simultaneous accelerating

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on plotting a Minkowski diagram for two objects accelerating simultaneously to half the speed of light and the implications for a connecting thread due to relativistic length contraction. The objects remain intact as they accelerate, as the relativistic effects do not cause sufficient separation to break the thread. Key concepts include the representation of world lines for uniformly accelerating observers and the significance of instantaneous velocity on spacetime diagrams.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Minkowski diagrams and spacetime concepts
  • Familiarity with relativistic length contraction principles
  • Knowledge of world lines in special relativity
  • Basic grasp of inertial and non-inertial reference frames
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the construction of Minkowski diagrams for various motion scenarios
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of relativistic length contraction
  • Explore the concept of world lines for uniformly accelerating objects
  • Investigate the effects of relativistic speeds on spacetime intervals
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying special relativity, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the implications of acceleration on spacetime and length contraction.

aquaman
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


two objects are at rest in an inertial reference frame. Two objects accelerate simultaneously in the same direction until reaching half the velocity of light and then halt simultaneously. The two objects are initially connected by a thread just long enough to cover the distance between the two objects. The question is what will happen to the thread due to relativistic length contraction.

Draw a Minkowski diagram of the world lines of both objects.

Homework Equations



f is intertial reference frame. t=0 is initial state rest, T is ending rest state.

The Attempt at a Solution


I uploaded a really poor sketch of what I think would occur. The thread would remain intact because of reaching half the velocity of light wouldn't curve space time or force the two objects to separate enough.

I am taking a "philosophy of scientific thought" course and am a bit in over my head right now. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, apologize if this version of the subject matter isn't part of this forums content.
Thanks.
 

Attachments

  • 14453615578642.png
    14453615578642.png
    2.6 KB · Views: 475
Physics news on Phys.org
What would the worldline of a uniformly accelerating observer look like?
How does one represent the instantaneous velocity of an observer on a spacetime diagram?
 
You have to assume, for the sake of discussion, that half the speed of light produces a significant relativistic length contraction.

A vertical world line means that as time passes there is no change in position.

Start by drawing the world line of just one of the objects. As a primer, draw the world line of an object moving at a steady speed of half the velocity of light. Then realize what happens to the world line before that, and then after that.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K