Question for Special Relativity

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Einstein's thought experiment regarding special relativity, specifically the implications of light travel distances for observers on a moving train. The participant questions whether light from two different points (a and b) would affect the perception of time differently for an observer at the center of the train. The conclusion drawn is that the varying distances light travels does not negate the effects of time dilation, as demonstrated by the Michelson-Morley experiment, which compared light paths at 90-degree angles to measure the ether wind.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of special relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of time dilation
  • Knowledge of the Michelson-Morley experiment
  • Basic grasp of light propagation and reference frames
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Einstein's thought experiments on special relativity
  • Explore the implications of time dilation in high-speed travel
  • Research the Michelson-Morley experiment and its significance in physics
  • Learn about the concept of reference frames in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in the fundamentals of physics, particularly those exploring concepts of relativity and the nature of light.

42Physics
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
I'm in 8th grade and always have my head in the clouds, and today I thought of something. Einstein's thought experiment with the train and the light reaching the center observer , how time will run slower as you move faster, well I got a question about it. Okay, since the light from point (a) has to travel more distance to get to the center observer on the train, it would take longer as you know. BUT, what about the light from (b)? Wouldnt it have to travel less distance to the observer making the clock "tick" faster? Here is a diagram to help explain
 

Attachments

  • 1363213303375.jpg
    1363213303375.jpg
    15.2 KB · Views: 535
Physics news on Phys.org
So wouldn't it not change anything at all?
 
You are correct. That is why when Michelson and Morley attempted to measure the ether wind, they compared two paths that were 90 degrees apart from each other. Here is a thread I made that you might find interesting.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Variation of the lightning train thought experiment
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
5K
High School Does Time Move Slower for Travelers in Special Relativity Experiments?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
High School Am I understanding the concept of proper frame of reference?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
Undergrad A question about Relativity of Time using Time dilation experiment
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad The wave equation interpretation of special relativity
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad [SR] light shot at an angle in a moving train
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Undergrad A problem with how the speed of light connects to special relativity
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Analyzing Time Dilation in a Spaceship-Mars Scenario
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad Shouldn't a moving clock appear to be ticking faster instead of slower?
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
9K
High School Do photons travel instantaneously?
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
6K