Problem with relativity of simultaneity original example

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relativity of simultaneity in special relativity, using a thought experiment involving a moving train and an embankment. Participants explore the implications of simultaneous lightning strikes from different reference frames and how observers perceive the timing of these events.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe a scenario where observers on a moving train and on an embankment witness lightning strikes at points A and B, discussing how simultaneity is perceived differently in each frame.
  • Others argue that the train passengers might not assume the strikes are simultaneous in their frame, questioning the basis for such an assumption.
  • A participant suggests that if both observers are aware of the experiment and the conditions under which the strikes occur, they might expect the light beams to reach their respective midpoints simultaneously.
  • Some contributions highlight that the concept of simultaneity is frame-dependent, and that specific physical scenarios dictate whether events are simultaneous in one frame and not in another.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of length contraction on the timing of events, with some participants asserting that the strikes may not be simultaneous in the train frame due to this effect.
  • One participant emphasizes that local facts, such as the meeting of light beams, must be agreed upon across all frames, even if the timing of the strikes differs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the train passengers can justifiably assume the lightning strikes are simultaneous in their frame. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the implications of simultaneity and the effects of relative motion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific assumptions about the simultaneity of events in different frames and the implications of length contraction, which are not universally agreed upon in the discussion.

  • #61
So this "Doppler Paradox" you're describing is the fact that the external observers see different colors than the internal observers?
 
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  • #62
JDoolin said:
So this "Doppler Paradox" you're describing is the fact that the external observers see different colors than the internal observers?

yes it is
 
  • #63
Adel Makram said:
yes it is
And what makes you think that that is a 'paradox'? (Further, how is it even relevant to the point of the Einstein train example?)
 
  • #64
Because this time the train observer will consider that the 2 lights will be received by B` and A` as different colours from the start not because he is moving toward the B` end
It is relevant to the thought experiment because the similarity of interpretation. In the Einstein`s one, the train observer will consider that B` and A` times are different from the start too ( same like colours example)
 
  • #65
Adel Makram said:
Because this time the train observer will consider that the 2 lights will be received by B` and A` as different colours from the start not because he is moving toward the B` end
It is relevant to the thought experiment because the similarity of interpretation. In the Einstein`s one, the train observer will consider that B` and A` times are different from the start too ( same like colours example)
Nope, that's all irrelevant. Realize that the events in question are:
(1) Lightning strikes the rear of the train (where A and A' happen to be)
(2) Lightning strikes the front of the train (where B and B' happen to be)

The issue is when do those events occur. We are given that they occur simultaneously according to the track frame (and thus the clocks used by A and B). We use a basic fact agreed to by all that the light reaches the middle of the train (M') at different times to deduce that according to the train frame (and thus the clocks used by A' and B') the lightning strikes occurred at different times. This is just basic physics using the premises of relativity.
 
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  • #66
Adel Makram said:
I have found a semi solution to the Doppler paradox. Regarding the interference pattern part, the light from both ends A` and B` has to reach a middle point in the embankment FOR (M) so as to enter into a slit and then double slit before projecting into screen. Now, The train observer sees the external observer moving from B` to A` direction with a velocity = -v. and when the 2 ends at the embankment received the light from A` and B`, he see that the light fro B` which happens first has to travel a longer distance than from A` to reach the middle of the embankment point. And also the accumulated phase change from B` and A` should be compensated when they reach M. SO the net effect on the screen will be black and bright strips which is the same result as the external observer

Part of the problem is you're trying to turn a thought experiment into a laboratory experiment. Not that that is a terrible thing to do, but in this case, we don't have the laboratory equipment necessary to set it up.

The thought experiment asks the question "How is it possible for the external observers to observe the same events as the internal observers, when both see an equal speed of light?" For some time, this question seeme more than a question, but a paradox; an enigma; the sort of question that couldn't possibly have a reasonable answer.

However, as so often happens, once the question is understood, the solution is forthcoming. The solution is to say that those events which appear simultaneous for the internal abservers, happen consecutively, back to front, for the external observers.

That answer is complete, and need not be embellished with further complication.

If you want to add into that set-up bunch of diffraction grating equipment and some fluorescent lights, so that the observers can test for red-shift and blue-shifting of the light, you're free to do so in your thought experiment, but I would agree with Doc Al, that it's irrelevant to the question of simultaneity.
 
  • #67
I am doing so because I believe that the famous thought experiment only uses limited resources to conclude a general phenomena
Let`s make a new experiment. Let`s make the arrangement so that when A, A` and B, B` coincide, 2 small slits put at B` and A` are opened for a brief time to allow just 2 photons to enter from a source put behind the train ( on the opposite side of the external observer),,, let`s make the distance between the 2 slit small enough comparable to the wave-length of the photons to cause an interference pattern. This brief opening of A` and B` can be done mechanically or even optically
For the external observer, he sees A` and B` open at the same time and therefore the 2 photons entering the 2 slits and create an interference pattern on a screen
But according to Einstein interpretation, the train observer sees B` opens before A` , so B` is opened just for a brief moment and shut before A` opens,,, so at one time, only one slit opens and therefore no interference pattern could ever occur. But when he looks at the screen from his window, he will see an interference pattern on the screen.
Can the train observer now explains why this interference pattern occurs when just the slits open one at a time
 
  • #68
JDoolin said:
Part of the problem is you're trying to turn a thought experiment into a laboratory experiment. Not that that is a terrible thing to do, but in this case, we don't have the laboratory equipment necessary to set it up

This is very healthy thing to do not a terrible one as you said. Firstly, I used other thought experiments to disprove the Einstein one. Secondly, if the Einstein` one can stand for many objections but one, it means that it is wrong. Thirdly, I have not problem to refute my own experiments if it is feasible and I did in the Doppler one
 
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  • #69
Adel Makram said:
Firstly, I used other thought experiments to disprove the Einstein one.
You did nothing of the kind. Since all you are interested in is 'proving Einstein wrong' it's time to close this thread.

Again I'll quote from the sticky at the top of this forum titled https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=17355":
This forum is meant as a place to discuss the Theory of Relativity and is for the benefit of those who wish to learn about or expand their understanding of said theory. It is not meant as a soapbox for those who wish to argue Relativity's validity, or advertise their own personal theories. All future posts of this nature shall either be deleted or moved by the discretion of the Mentors.
 
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