The Effects of Relativity on a Bulb Setup

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    Bulb Effects Relativity
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of relativity on a bulb setup, specifically how the angles and distances in the setup change from the perspective of an observer moving at a relative speed. Participants explore the implications of these changes on the bulb's ability to emit light and the physical interactions within the setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a setup involving a bulb and wires at an angle theta, suggesting that an observer moving at speed 'v' will perceive a different angle phi, which is greater than theta.
  • Another participant notes that the equations should indicate that the bulb appears closer to the battery from the moving observer's perspective.
  • Concerns are raised about whether the width of the cavity containing the battery would also contract, potentially negating the effect of the bulb appearing closer.
  • A participant asserts that all linear dimensions along the direction of motion will appear contracted, questioning the implication that contact between the bulb and battery would be broken.
  • Another participant clarifies that only the horizontal side of a triangle formed by the wires will be contracted, and this contraction will match the distance from the battery to the bulb, ensuring contact is maintained.
  • Questions arise regarding the change in angle theta and its implications, with a comparison made to a ladder leaning against a wall, emphasizing that everything appears narrower along the direction of motion.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the clarification, indicating some understanding of the concepts discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of relativistic effects on the bulb setup, particularly regarding the perception of angles and distances. The discussion remains unresolved as multiple competing perspectives are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific geometric relationships and relativistic effects, but there are unresolved assumptions regarding the physical interactions and the implications of perceived changes in angle and distance.

anantchowdhary
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The following diagram is of a setup consisting of
A bulb
A pair of wires...making an angle theta with the place the bulb lies in


now if the setup is seen by an observer moving at a speed 'v' relative

the angle the wires make with the plane changes to phi>theta(i can provide the equations to prove this if needed...i might have gone wrong...but I've cheked it so far..)

Now to the observer moving relative to the setup...the wires make a different angle...so what does that observer see?


does he see the bulb giving off light..if he does..then from his point of view...there is no energy being provided ..so how does the bulb provide light...

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/fcf29f98a3.jpg
 
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Those equations should also show that the bulb is now closer to the battery..
 
Even though..theyr closer...wouldnt the width of the cavity containing the battry also contract...slo it wudnt make a difference...also the bulb's width would contract..
 
please help!
 
All linear dimensions along the direction of motion will "appear" contracted from the moving frame. Why do you think that that somehow implies that contact will be broken?
 
If you draw a right triangle with the wires as the hypotenuse, only the horizontal side of the triangle (the base) will be shrunk by length contraction, and it will be shrunk by exactly the same factor as the distance from the battery to the base of the bulb, so naturally the wires will still be in contact with the bulb. Different reference frames never disagree on local physical facts like whether two objects touch!
 
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but what about the change in the angle theta?
 
anantchowdhary said:
but what about the change in the angle theta?
What about it? Think of a ladder leaning against a wall at some angle. "Viewed" from a moving frame, the distance between the bottom of the ladder and the wall will be contracted. Of course it also appears to have a different angle with respect to the wall. (It better!)

Everything (triangles included) "appears" narrower along the direction of motion.
 
hmm...thnx..im getting it...

thnx a lot
 

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