Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the implications of special relativity (SR) in the context of photon emission from an atom at rest in an inertial reference frame. Participants explore the consequences of viewing the scenario from different reference frames, particularly the frame of one of the emitted photons, and question the validity of applying Galilean transformations in this context.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- One participant argues that after one second in the atomic frame, the distance between the two emitted photons in the photonic frame is zero, suggesting a contradiction in their relative motion.
- Another participant counters that in the photon's rest frame, time does not exist, and thus the distance to any point in the universe is effectively zero, which resolves the perceived paradox.
- A question is raised about how much time each photon perceives has passed if the atom measures one second.
- There is a claim that the Galilean transformations hold when switching from the atomic frame to the photonic frame, leading to a conclusion that the event duration is the same in both frames.
- Another participant asserts that the Galilean transformation is a low-velocity approximation and cannot be applied at the speed of light, challenging the previous claims.
- One participant insists that if the Galilean transformation never holds, then the two photons must be in the same direction, contradicting their emission in opposite directions.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express disagreement regarding the application of Galilean transformations and the implications of time perception for photons. There is no consensus on whether SR contains an error, with some defending its validity while others question its interpretations.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference Lorentz transformations and time dilation without reaching a resolution on how these concepts apply to the scenario discussed. The discussion highlights the complexities involved in reconciling different reference frames in the context of SR.