The discussion centers on the time offset between two synchronized clocks in different reference frames, specifically addressing the factor of ##\frac{Lv}{c^2}## as opposed to ##\frac{Lv}{c}##. Participants clarify that the correct expression for the time offset involves the speed of light squared, ##c^2##, emphasizing the importance of proper length (L) and relative velocity (v). A reference to section 11.3 of a Harvard physics resource highlights the complexities of this topic, particularly in scenarios involving synchronized clocks on a moving train.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators teaching special relativity, and anyone interested in the nuances of time measurement in different reference frames.
I'm pretty sure the offset in time is Lv/c2, not Lv/c (since obviously Lv/c is in units of length).Physgeek64 said:Why is it that for two clocks that are synchronised in one frame, S, but not in another, S', is there an offset in the time by a factor of ##\frac{Lv}{c}##, as measured in S'. Where L is the proper length of the body, as measured in S. I'm confused as to why there is not a factor of ##\gamma## here
Many thanks
Battlemage! said:I'm pretty sure the offset in time is Lv/c2, not Lv/c (since obviously Lv/c is in units of length).
Also section 11.3 of this link has a problem that comes up with your Lv/c involving synchronized clocks on a train. It has a nice picture too showing the distance the photon must travel, which gives those two factors.
http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~djmorin/chap11.pdf
Haha no it definitely could be clearer, but it does have a good picture I think.Physgeek64 said:How careless of me- I did mean over ##c^2##. Funnily enough, this was the book that caused my confusion. I don't feel like he explains it very well. However, I have since worked it out- so all it good.
Thank you for replying though- it's very appreciated :)