The discussion revolves around the relativistic effects experienced by a particle traveling at 0.5c and the implications of different reference frames on the perceived speed of the particle. Participants explore the calculations of distance covered and average speed from both the particle's frame of reference and an observer's perspective, raising questions about the nature of speed in relativity.
Participants express differing views on the interpretation of speed in different frames of reference, with no consensus reached on whether the particle is traveling at 0.5c or 0.43c. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these speeds.
Participants reference calculations based on different frames of reference, but there are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of speed and the implications of relativistic effects on measurements.
By definition the particle's speed in the particle' frame of reference is 0. And yes, it is 0 in one frame and 0.5 c in another and 0.999 c in yet another. There is even a frame where it's speed is 0.43 c, but that is not the particle's frame.kaleidoscope said:A particle traveling at 0.5c for 1 second at its frame of reference covers 1.3E8m (speed=.5*3E8 and gamma=.866). The average speed was then 1.3E8 m/s = .43c and not .5c. What is going on here? Was it travelilng at 0.5c or at .43c? (Notice that all the calcualtions are done at the particles frame of reference).
Suppose you are observing the particles motion over a road And you are stationary above the road. For you the particle covers 1.5E8m on the road in one second. But in the particles perspective, the road moves past a distance of 1.5E8 * 0.866 = 1.3E8m in a time of 1 * 0.866 = 0.866 seconds. So, the particle concludes, the road is moving at 0.5c.kaleidoscope said:A particle traveling at 0.5c for 1 second covers 1.3E8m (speed=.5*3E8 and gamma=.866) and not 1.5E8. The average speed was then 1.3E8 m/s = .43c and not .5c. What is going on here? Was it travelilng at 0.5c or at .43c?