Relativity, space contraction and rotation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a moving bar and a table with a circular hole, exploring concepts of relativity, space contraction, and rotation. The bar, moving along the x-axis, appears shorter than its actual length from the reference frame R, while the table moves along the z-axis. Participants emphasize the necessity of applying Lorentz transformations to understand the relationship between the bar and the hole, particularly in the moving reference frame R'. The conversation highlights the complexity of visualizing the scenario and the importance of mathematical equations over intuitive reasoning in relativity. The problem illustrates the non-parallel alignment of the bar and table in R', leading to further exploration of their interaction.
imphat
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Homework Statement


A bar (lo = 10mm) is moving along the x-axis with speed v according to a referential R.

Meanwhile a table, parallel to the bar is moving along the z axis, with speed u. There's a circular hole in the table with radius = 5mm.

From R perspective the bar has l < 10mm and it fits the hole on the table. But, from the point of view of R', resting in relation to the bar, the hole is smaller than the length of the bar.

A. Does it make sense to ask how the bar fits in the hole? Explain

B. show that in R' the bar and the table are no longer paralel, and there's a angle A between them and tg(A) = uvg/c², g= sqrt(1/(1-v²/c²))

C. show that the point C, in the middle of the whole approaches the point B, in the middle of the bar following the line z'=-u/gv x'

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Im really clueless here. Anyone care to explain this problem to me?
 
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Hi imphat! :smile:

Hint: leave A until you've done B and C.

Can you do B? What have you tried? :smile:
 
hi tim, thanks for the fast reponse once again

the only thing i did so far was to draw some drafts of what happens...

i was thinking maybe rotating the axis on the R' referential, in a way that the movement of the hole is done along 1 single direction, let's say, the z' axis... but i really don't see how the table gets not to be parelel to the bar on R'
 
… avoid doom …

Hi imphat! :smile:

No no no …

In relativity, trying to think up a logical answer usually spells doom.

You have to apply the Lorentz equations!

Just to start you off …

Two corners of the table are at (t,a,0,ut) and (t,b,0,ut) in R (with a and b constant).

So where are they in R´? :smile:
 
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