Relativity, space contraction and rotation

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a bar and a table in relative motion, exploring concepts of length contraction and the effects of special relativity on their alignment and interaction. The bar is moving along the x-axis while the table moves along the z-axis, with a circular hole that presents a geometric challenge when viewed from different reference frames.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of length contraction and how the bar fits into the hole from different reference frames. Questions arise about the relationship between the bar and the table, particularly regarding their alignment and the angle formed between them in the moving reference frame.

Discussion Status

Some participants are attempting to visualize the problem through sketches and are considering transformations of the coordinate system. Guidance has been offered to focus on specific parts of the problem, such as applying Lorentz transformations to understand the positions of the table's corners in the moving reference frame.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of confusion regarding the application of relativistic principles, particularly in how to approach the problem without jumping to conclusions. The original poster expresses a lack of clarity, and hints have been provided to guide their exploration of the problem.

imphat
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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:
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 166 ·
6
Replies
166
Views
15K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K