The discussion centers on the behavior of muons in a linear accelerator, specifically regarding time dilation and the implications of special relativity. Participants clarify that all observers, regardless of their inertial frames, will agree on the total number of muons detected at the end of the accelerator, despite differing perceptions of time and distance due to relativistic effects. The conversation emphasizes that time dilation and length contraction are both real phenomena that must be considered in calculations involving muons and their decay rates. Ultimately, the consensus is that while observers may disagree on the time taken for muons to travel, they will consistently agree on the number of muons detected.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, students of relativity, and anyone interested in particle physics and the effects of relativistic motion on time and space measurements.
DaleSpam said:Actually, it is the approaching speed which is important.
Since you are assuming what have happened so far, can I safely assume that you did not read the previous discussions.Samshorn said:I assume you've been told many times that that's completely false,
I agree, that Fitzgerald introduced/coined the term Length contraction to explain the results of MMX. But again, we are not discussing when was it first proposed.Samshorn said:...Historically, length contraction was introduced by Fitzgerald and Lorentz in order to account for the results of the Michelson-Morley experiment, long before anyone ever dreamed of muons or even special relativity.
MMX was about the light and its properties, whereas, Time Dilation of Muons has nothing to do with Light and it's properties because if it does, there are contradictions of Logic. Again for the later part you need to read the previous posts.Samshorn said:And of course the MM experiment along with all other failed attempts to measure absolute velocity and all the experimental demonstrations of the invariance of light speed, and indeed the Lorentz invariance of all physical phenomena in terms of standard inertial coordinates, collectively are irrefutable experimental evidence of both length contraction and time dilation.
Samshorn said:Also, length contraction emerges from Lorentz's theorem of corresponding states based on the already-known laws of electrodynamics, and of course Lorentz always stressed the physical reality of (and necessity of) this contraction for active transformations.
Samshorn said:You need to distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic state variables, and between passive and active transformations.