Relativity Thought Experiment: Speed Limits, Mass Changes & Aliens

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a thought experiment related to relativity, exploring concepts such as relativistic effects on physical quantities, speed limits in a relativistic context, and the implications of different light speed values on perceptions of temperature and time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to identify which physical quantities change at relativistic speeds, expressing thoughts on mass, width, pulse rate, and aging. They also pose a question about setting a speed limit using relativistic equations, indicating confusion about the variables involved. Additionally, they explore how aliens perceive temperature differently due to varying light speeds.

Discussion Status

Some participants engage with the original poster's ideas, offering clarifications and prompting further development of their reasoning. There is an acknowledgment of misunderstandings regarding the speed of light, and participants encourage deeper exploration of the concepts presented.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that their questions are framed within a relativity thought experiment, and they express a desire for feedback on their answers. There is mention of a specific condition regarding the speed of light being set at 30 m/s in their scenario.

tony.wu
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At first , I shoul say : I am sorry , just now i posta a question , but my answer is aplly other question. I have edited it now.

1) If you were standing upright, facing forward but moving at a relativistic velocity to your right, which of the following quantities would change : height, width , pulse rate, number of atoms in my body, mass , temperature, rate of ageing, girth (waistline), or net electrical charge ?

: I think the mass, width ,pulse rate and rate ageing are changed. rate ageing chage , I take the reason is twin paradox.
2) As the head traffic engineer for the department of highways, you are in charge of setting a safe but fuel-efficient speed limit on cars. Calculate a speed limit using relativistic equations and explain your reason for your choice of speed limit. Keep in mind that collisions cause changes in kinetic energy.

: My idear is v=s/t, in the relativity, t own two value, one is relativety time, one is proper time, but the s also have two value, so how can i think this question ? Please give me some idea or remind.

3)Assume light speed is 30m/s in our world, Aliens visiting your planet from another quadrant of the galaxy, where the speed of light is 3*10^8 m/s,say your food seems relatively cold. Explain.

: I think , because aliens world ,light speed is so fast, they look our world is slowly. as we cook hot food , because their time is fast, the food is cold.

P.S. : last question , I lose a condition , is light speed is 30 m/s in our world. all of these question is in a relativity thought experiment . Please help me check these answer again. Thanks very much.
 
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Okay if I get what you're saying you seem to have the idea for the first part. On the second part I don't really don't understand what you're saying for you're Idea. For the third part think about the rest energy equation... to them the rest energy would be negligable. Also the speed of light is not 30 m/s it is 300000000 m/s or 3.0x10^8 m/s
 
Thanks,I will do the question 2 again , I will try to write a clear dear.
 
tony.wu said:
3)Assume light speed is 30m/s in our world, Aliens visiting your planet from another quadrant of the galaxy, where the speed of light is 3*10^8 m/s,say your food seems relatively cold. Explain.

: I think , because aliens world ,light speed is so fast, they look our world is slowly. as we cook hot food , because their time is fast, the food is cold.

I think you have the right idea, but develop it further. What causes food to be hot? What's the maximum possible speed if the speed of light is 30 m/s?
 

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