Time-like Intervals and Causality

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter *FaerieLight*
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Causality intervals
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

In the context of special relativity, events separated by a time-like interval maintain a consistent order across all inertial reference frames, as established by the invariant interval formula I = -(cΔt)² + (Δx)² + (Δy)² + (Δz)², which is always less than 0 for time-like intervals. Causal connections between events can occur even when they are separated by a light-like interval (I = 0), but the concept of a "reference frame of light" is invalid, as light does not possess a valid inertial frame. Therefore, while events can be causally connected at light-like intervals, they do not occur simultaneously in any valid inertial frame.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with the invariant interval formula
  • Knowledge of inertial reference frames
  • Basic concepts of causality in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of time-like and light-like intervals in special relativity
  • Explore the concept of causality in relativistic physics
  • Learn about the limitations of reference frames, particularly regarding light
  • Review the FAQ on special relativity provided in the discussion for deeper insights
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying special relativity, theoretical physicists, and anyone interested in the nature of causality and the behavior of light in relativistic contexts.

*FaerieLight*
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
Hi
If two events are separated by a time-like interval, then all inertial reference frames will agree on the order of the two events. For example, if event A occurred before event B in one inertial reference frame, then event A occurred before event B in all inertial reference frames.
The invariant interval, given by I = -(c[itex]\Delta[/itex]t)2+([itex]\Delta[/itex]x)2+([itex]\Delta[/itex]y)2+([itex]\Delta[/itex]z)2, for two events separated by a time-like interval is always less than 0.
My question is, for two events that are causally connected, can the invariant interval be less than or equal to 0? Or does I have to be strictly less than 0 for such events?
I'm not sure because as far as I'm aware, there can only be a causal connection between two events if it is possible for a signal to travel between the two events, so that means that two events can be causally connected if they are separated by a light-like interval too, ie, I = 0. But if this is the case, then in the reference frame of the light, doesn't event A and event B occur at the same time then, in which case there isn't any causal connection between event A and event B?
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
*FaerieLight* said:
I'm not sure because as far as I'm aware, there can only be a causal connection between two events if it is possible for a signal to travel between the two events, so that means that two events can be causally connected if they are separated by a light-like interval too, ie, I = 0.

Yes, this is correct. Light is a causal influence.

*FaerieLight* said:
But if this is the case, then in the reference frame of the light, doesn't event A and event B occur at the same time then, in which case there isn't any causal connection between event A and event B?
Thanks

No, this is not correct, because there is no such thing as "the reference frame of the light". There's a FAQ entry on this:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=511170
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
981
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
942
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
7K
  • · Replies 56 ·
2
Replies
56
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K