Special Relativity and the Relativity of Simultaneity.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of special relativity, particularly the relativity of simultaneity, as it pertains to the positions of a rocket and a galaxy. It is established that the rocket perceives event R (an explosion) before event L, due to the relative motion of the galaxy. The conversation highlights that the rocket's position relative to the galaxy can change based on the timing of these explosions, emphasizing the non-absolute nature of simultaneity in relativistic physics. The key takeaway is that the rocket's frame of reference determines the order of events observed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of simultaneity in physics
  • Knowledge of reference frames and their significance in relativistic contexts
  • Basic grasp of light propagation and its implications in relativistic scenarios
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Lorentz transformations in special relativity
  • Explore the concept of time dilation and its effects on simultaneity
  • Learn about the twin paradox and its relation to simultaneity
  • Investigate practical applications of special relativity in modern physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching relativity concepts, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of modern physics will benefit from this discussion.

alingy1
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The position of the rocket is not specific. We just know that it is at the left of the galaxy. We know that R will explode first in the rocket's frame.

Maybe the galaxy could be moving fast enough so that the time it takes for L to explode is enough for the rocket to see R's light first. In other words, in the time delay L explodes after R, maybe the galaxy could go past the rocket (end up to the left of the rocket). If the galaxy ends up to the left of the rocket and L explodes after that, then R is for sure the first light that the rocket sees.

http://imgur.com/1vzsRWW
 
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What did the problem statement say about the relationship between the rocket and the galaxy? Does it suggest to you any reason why your reasoning might be flawed?
 
Hi, the rocket "enters the galaxy from left". That does NOT mean that after R explodes, in the time it takes for L to now explode, the rocket could now be to the right of the galaxy.
 

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