Solve the Special Theory of Relativity Confusion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a thought experiment involving the Special Theory of Relativity, specifically examining the relationship between distances covered by light and a moving object (box or rocket) in a relativistic context. Participants explore the implications of time dilation and relative motion on the distances D1 (light's path) and D2 (the object's path).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the distance D2 (the distance covered by the moving box/rocket) can be equal to or greater than D1 (the distance light travels) under the constraints of Special Relativity.
  • Another participant asserts that D2 cannot exceed D1, emphasizing that the time t' for the moving frame is shorter than the time t for the stationary observer, and that the speed v of the rocket is less than the speed of light c.
  • There is a reiteration of the previous point, with a focus on the conditions of the experiment being observed from an outside frame, suggesting that time dilation must be considered.
  • Participants agree that under the assumptions of the experiment, particularly that light travels through a vacuum, D2 cannot be greater than D1.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that D2 cannot exceed D1, with multiple contributions reinforcing this position. However, the initial question about the possibility of D2 being greater than D1 indicates that some uncertainty remains regarding the implications of time dilation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the definitions of time t and t', as well as the assumption that the light travels through a vacuum. The discussion does not resolve the broader implications of relativistic effects on distance measurements.

Shehreyar Khan
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My Question is very interesting. I want an exact answer after correct assessments. Let there is a box or rocket or something in which light starts from point A to point B. When Light is generated from point A, at the exact point that thing box or rocket or frame moves from point X and it moves until Light reaches from A to B, now as it reaches B, that thing box or rocket stops and it covers the distance from point X to point Y and stops at that point. Now Distance D1 be the distance light covers from A to B, which can be found using formula (d = ct) and let D2 be the distance between point X and point Y. We can find D2 using (v * t') v is the speed of rocket or box, while t' is the relative time. If there is another way ot find it then kindly state it. My question is that can D2 be equal or greater than D1? and we know v has a limit that it should be less than c. Which distance will be greater? D1 or D2?
 
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Where is t' measured?
Both for the frame where the whole setup is described, and for the frame of the box/rocket: no, D2 cannot exceed D1.
 
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mfb said:
Where is t' measured?
Both for the frame where the whole setup is described, and for the frame of the box/rocket: no, D2 cannot exceed D1.
Yes Sir, I am considering the experiment with reference to an outside observer, who is observing the rocket moving and inside that rocket the light beam moves from A to B and in same time the rocket move from X to Y... Any possibility that D2 is greater than D1? as the time will also be dilated the t' is the dilated time and the observer will consider the dilated time...
 
Shehreyar Khan said:
Any possibility that D2 is greater than D1?
No.
t' is shorter than t, and v is smaller than c. There is no way the product can be larger than c*t.
This is assuming the light is moving through a vacuum of course.
 
mfb said:
No.
t' is shorter than t, and v is smaller than c. There is no way the product can be larger than c*t.
This is assuming the light is moving through a vacuum of course.
Thank you sir
 

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