Problem special relativity: Photon in a centrifuge

In summary, the problem with special relativity in a centrifuge is that it is difficult to reconcile the effects of centrifugal force with the principles of special relativity. The photon behaves consistently with special relativity in a centrifuge, but its path may appear curved to an outside observer due to the rotation of space-time. There is ongoing research and debate about how to solve this problem, with some proposed solutions involving modifications to the theory of relativity and others using the principle of equivalence in general relativity. The centrifuge experiment highlights the challenges of applying special relativity to non-inertial reference frames and raises questions about the nature of space-time and the effects of gravity on the laws of physics. The implications of this problem are still being
  • #1
giokara
9
0
I have to solve the following problem and I am also given the solution. I do not find the same answer as given and I do not understand why.

Homework Statement



Consider a centrifuge with radius r, spinning at a constant angular velocity ω. Two atoms E and A on the edge of the centrifuge are situated in the rotation plane an form a angle α. Atom E emits light with wavelength λ(E). A photon is absorbed by atom A (in a new position A'). Is there a Doppler shift? If yes, give the functional relationship in α,r and ω. Calculate therefore the quantity λ(A)/λ(E) in the lab system, given E = [itex]u^{\mu}[/itex][itex]p_{\mu}[/itex] with E the energy of the photon, p the four-momentum of the photon and u the 4-velocity of the atom.

Homework Equations



E = [itex]u^{\mu}[/itex][itex]p_{\mu}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



As the receiving atom A' sees the emitting atom moving with a certain velocity, there will be a Doppler shift. The angle between E and A' in the lab system is found by demanding that the photon propagates at the speed of light. When all the angles are known, it is easy to find the four-velocity of A' and E in the lab system. By choosing an appropriate coordinate system for the lab system, the classical Lorentztransformation can be used to transform the 4-velocity of E to the instantaneous rest frame in A'. Finally, the Doppler shift can be found in the rest frame of A'.

The given solution is that there will be no Doppler shift. Why is that? Is it because that in the problem statement, the Doppler shift has to be determined in the lab system?

Many thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2

Thank you for your question. Based on the information provided in the problem statement, it seems that the Doppler shift is being considered in the rest frame of atom A'. In this frame, the photon is absorbed by atom A' and there is no relative motion between the two atoms. Therefore, there will be no Doppler shift in this frame.

It is possible that the given solution is referring to the lab system, in which case the Doppler shift would be zero as well since there is no relative motion between the two atoms in this frame either.

I hope this helps to clarify the situation. If you have any further questions, please let me know.
 

1. What is the problem with special relativity in a centrifuge?

The problem with special relativity in a centrifuge is that it is difficult to reconcile the effects of centrifugal force with the principles of special relativity. According to special relativity, the laws of physics should be the same for all observers regardless of their relative motion. However, in a centrifuge, objects experience a centrifugal force that is dependent on their distance from the center of rotation, which seems to contradict this principle.

2. How does the photon behave in a centrifuge?

In a centrifuge, the photon behaves in a way that is consistent with the principles of special relativity. It travels at the speed of light and is not affected by the centrifugal force. However, due to the curvature of space-time caused by the rotation of the centrifuge, the path of the photon may appear curved to an outside observer.

3. Can the special relativity problem in a centrifuge be solved?

There is ongoing research and debate among scientists about how to reconcile the effects of centrifugal force with the principles of special relativity in a centrifuge. Some proposed solutions involve modifications to the theory of relativity, while others suggest that the principle of equivalence in general relativity can be used to explain the effects of centrifugal force in a centrifuge.

4. How does the centrifuge experiment demonstrate the limitations of special relativity?

The centrifuge experiment does not necessarily demonstrate the limitations of special relativity, but rather highlights the challenges in applying the theory to situations involving non-inertial reference frames. It also raises questions about the nature of space-time and the effects of gravity on the laws of physics.

5. What are the implications of the special relativity problem in a centrifuge?

The implications of the special relativity problem in a centrifuge are still being explored by scientists. Some see it as an opportunity to further our understanding of the relationship between gravity and relativity, while others see it as a potential challenge to the principles of special relativity. Ultimately, the resolution of this problem could lead to new insights and advancements in our understanding of the universe.

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