Resolving Symmetric Movement Paradox w/ Respect to Stationary Observer

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around the Symmetric Movement Paradox involving two twin cats moving in opposite directions at speeds -v and v, as observed from a stationary frame on Earth. The participants utilize Lorentz transformations to analyze the time experienced by each cat, concluding that both perceive the other as younger upon reunion. Despite the symmetry in their journeys, the paradox arises from the differing perspectives of each cat, leading to confusion about their aging. The resolution of this paradox requires a thorough examination of the Lorentz transformations and the implications of relativistic effects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz transformations
  • Familiarity with the concept of time dilation in special relativity
  • Knowledge of the speed of light as a constant (c)
  • Basic grasp of relativistic velocity addition
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of time dilation in special relativity
  • Explore the concept of simultaneity in different inertial frames
  • Learn about the twin paradox and its resolutions
  • Investigate the mathematical derivation of Lorentz transformations
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, students of relativity, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of time and motion in relativistic contexts.

Kyojin
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I am trying to understand this apparent "paradoxes" but probably i am missing something important.
Imagine that accourding to stationary observer on Earth two twin cats are moving in the opposite directions with speed [itex]-v[/itex] and [itex]v[/itex]. When the two cats meet the stationary observer at the beginning [itex]O[/itex] of his coordinate system [itex]K_{tx}[/itex] their clocks are synchronized. Left cat has coordinate system [itex]K^{\prime}_{t^{\prime}x^{\prime}}[/itex] right cat [itex]K^{\prime\prime}_{t^{\prime\prime}x^{\prime\prime}}[/itex].So at the center [itex]t_O=t^{\prime}_O=t^{\prime\prime}_O=0[/itex] and [itex]x_O=x^{\prime}_O=x^{\prime\prime}_O=0[/itex].
Now accourding to the stationary observer the two twin cats both travel [itex]T[/itex] until they reach points [itex]x_{-S}=-vT[/itex] and [itex]x_{S}=vT[/itex] and then they go back and meet at the center.
Let [tex]\gamma_x=\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{x^2}{c^2}}}[/tex]
Now let's take the viewpoint of the left cat.To find the time at witch the point [itex]x_{-s}[/itex] reaches it we use the Lorentz transformation:
[tex]t^\prime_{-S}-t^\prime_{O}=\gamma_v(t_{-S}-t_{O}+\frac{vx_{-S}}{c^2}-\frac{vx_{-S}}{c^2})=\gamma_vT[/tex]
Since the point [itex]x_{-S}[/itex] stays stationary accourding to the unprimed frame.
Using the same calculation for the rigth cat the point [itex]x_S[/itex] reaches it at time [itex]t^{\prime\prime}_S=\gamma_vT[/itex]

Now accourding to the left cat the right cat is moving with speed [itex]w=\frac{2v}{1+\frac{v^2}{c^2}}[/itex]. Now using the lorentz transformations again we can find that the right cat moves from from [itex]x_O[/itex] to [itex]x_S[/itex] accourding to the left cat for time [itex]t_S^\prime-t^\prime_O=t_S^\prime=\gamma_wt^{\prime\prime}_{S}=\gamma_w\gamma_vT[/itex].
And doing the same thing the left cat moves from [itex]x_{O}[/itex] to [itex]x_{-S}[/itex] accourding to the right cat for time [itex]t_{-S}^{\prime\prime}-t^{\prime\prime}_O=t_{-S}^{\prime\prime}=\gamma_w\gamma_vT[/itex].

Now if we do the same thing for the reverse direction at the end we will find the exactly same thing. Each cat thinks that the other is younger at the end of their path. But their situation is symmetric and they actualy did exactly the same thing. Shouldnt they age exactly the same at the end?
How can I resolve mathematicaly this disagreement on which cat is younger when from symmetry viewpoint they should be the same age?

I will appreciate any help. Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You've left out a whole lot of intermediate steps which now we have to repeat to find your error. Why don't you post all of your intermediate steps so that we don't have to? Maybe even when you do that, your error will be obvious.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 78 ·
3
Replies
78
Views
7K