Relative Length to Relative Volume

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the relative volume change of a rectangular prism traveling close to the speed of light while rotating. It establishes that the volume of the object is reduced by the same factor as its length due to Lorentz contraction, with no contraction occurring along the transverse axes. The conversation also highlights the importance of considering the time it takes for light rays to reach an observer when visualizing the object optically.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz contraction in special relativity
  • Familiarity with the geometry of rectangular prisms
  • Basic knowledge of 3D object visualization techniques
  • Concept of time dilation and its effects on observation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulation of Lorentz contraction
  • Explore the effects of relativistic speeds on 3D object rendering
  • Learn about the implications of time dilation on visual perception
  • Investigate the geometry of rotating objects in relativistic physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, 3D modelers, and anyone interested in the effects of relativistic speeds on object dimensions and visual representation.

Aureum
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
I understand relative length well but I what to image a 3d object traveling close to the speed of light. As we know objects have speed, direction, and rotation. So I was wondering if there is a general equation to calculate the relative volume change of a Rectangular Prism rotating and traveling near the speed of light at any given time.

Relevant equations

1749bc0c276b392671c59b17cd12990e.png
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When you say you want to "image" the object, do you mean that you're actually trying to draw a picture of what it would look like optically? If so, then you can't just do that using the Lorentz contraction, because you also get effects from the time it takes light rays to reach your eye.

If all you mean is that you want to calculate the volume as expressed in a frame where the object isn't at rest, then the volume is reduced by the same factor as the length. There is no Lorentz contractions along the two transverse axes.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Perceive Length Contraction VS Terrell Penrose
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad 2 objects of enormous volume each in relative motion very close to c
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad What causes time dilation and length contraction
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
High School Prove the velocity of a moving object is absolute in one IRF?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
High School How are 'fringe shifts' in the Michelson-Morley experiment calculated?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Undergrad How Does Special Relativity Affect Perceptions of Simultaneity?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
High School Distance Length Contraction at Light Speed
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Relativity of Simultaneity and Length Contraction
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
5K
High School Why does length contraction occur and how does it relate to time dilation?
  • · Replies 63 ·
3
Replies
63
Views
6K
Graduate Special Relativity in Rotating Reference frame
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K