Relativity Theory: Bill & Nancy's Observer Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the misconceptions surrounding relativity theory, particularly regarding the concept of relativistic mass and the effects of traveling at the speed of light. The participants clarify that an object with mass, such as Bob, cannot travel at light speed, and emphasize that relativistic mass is an outdated concept. Instead, they explain that objects experience length contraction in the direction of motion, leading to a decrease in size rather than an increase. For accurate understanding, readers are directed to a resource that elaborates on these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's Theory of Relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of mass and energy equivalence
  • Basic knowledge of length contraction in physics
  • Awareness of common misconceptions in relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "What is Relativistic Mass and Why It is Not Used Much?" for foundational knowledge
  • Explore the implications of length contraction in special relativity
  • Study the differences between rest mass and relativistic mass
  • Investigate the effects of approaching light speed on time dilation
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators explaining relativity, and anyone interested in clarifying common misconceptions about the effects of speed on mass and size in the context of relativity theory.

Holometer
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Can someone or approve or disapprove my question.

I want to make sure I get this right.

I will use Bill & Nancy as observers and friends

For example, if Bob is going at the speed of light inside a spaceship, his mass will increase indefinite but he will not notice the effects. Bob will notice no changes of himself inside the spaceship. However Nancy is outside on a Asteroid outpost building and Notice her friend Bill traveling at the speed of light. Nancy could not believe her own eyes. Bill has grown way to huge of infinity amount. However Bill also notices Nancy. Bill also could not believe his eyes. Nancy has grown infinite in size when he was passing her up at the speed of light while Nancy was waving hi to him on the asteroid outpost. Nancy will also see herself as everything being normal with no increase in Mass.

Did I get this story right? Is it safe that I got this relatively rule right?
 
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Holometer said:
For example, if Bob is going at the speed of light inside a spaceship
This is not possible. He is massive and can therefore not be traveling at the speed of light.

The relativistic mass is an archaic concept. It also has absolutely nothing to do with an increase in size, in fact, things are length contracted in the direction of motion and therefore smaller. This is a very common question and people usually have tons of misconceptions because they think the words means something they do not. I suggest you start by reading this: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-is-relativistic-mass-and-why-it-is-not-used-much/

Edit: Also note that the level tags (B, I, A) are intended to set the level of the thread. Based on your question, I have changed it to B sice it is quite apparent you are not looking for an answer at postgraduate physics level.
 
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