Problem with relativity of simultaneity original example

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relativity of simultaneity as illustrated by Einstein's train and embankment thought experiment. Observers on the embankment perceive two lightning strikes as simultaneous, while train passengers see them occurring at different times due to the train's motion. The key takeaway is that simultaneity is frame-dependent; what is simultaneous in one frame may not be in another. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding that statements about simultaneity must be made from a specific frame of reference, highlighting the nuances of special relativity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of frame of reference
  • Knowledge of light propagation and its constant speed (c)
  • Basic grasp of length contraction in relativistic contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Einstein's theory of special relativity in detail
  • Explore the implications of simultaneity in different inertial frames
  • Learn about Lorentz transformations and their applications
  • Investigate practical experiments demonstrating relativity of simultaneity
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching relativity concepts, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of modern physics.

  • #61
So this "Doppler Paradox" you're describing is the fact that the external observers see different colors than the internal observers?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #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.
 
Last edited:
  • #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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
4K
  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
7K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
6K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 221 ·
8
Replies
221
Views
15K
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
4K