What Angular Velocity is Required for Relativistic Effects?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter stunner5000pt
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the angular velocity required for a planet to exhibit significant relativistic effects, specifically time dilation, as observed by a stationary observer. It establishes that a deviation of more than 5% from classical mechanics is considered significant. The conversation highlights that while the force equation for circular motion remains valid in special relativity (SR), the complexities of general relativity (GR) and tensor calculus may be necessary for accurate calculations involving massive, fast-moving celestial bodies. Additionally, it notes that relativistic effects can also be observed in magnetism, not just planetary motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity (SR) principles
  • Familiarity with general relativity (GR) concepts
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its implications in physics
  • Basic grasp of tensor calculus for advanced calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the equations of motion in special relativity
  • Study the effects of angular velocity on relativistic time dilation
  • Explore the role of general relativity in massive bodies' motion
  • Learn about the relativistic effects of magnetism and their implications
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, astrophysicists, and students interested in the implications of relativistic effects in celestial mechanics and those studying the intersection of special and general relativity.

stunner5000pt
Messages
1,447
Reaction score
5
this isn't a homework question, incidentally

All the foormulas for time dilation, relaitivsitc momentum, do they apply for non linear motion (circular/elliptical?) SO then that leads me to the question :
what kind of angular velocity would a planet require such that a stationary observer watching this planet from some distance, would observe relativistic effects (time dilation et al) such taht the deviation is significant. Could we handle this without resorting to vector calculus and the like?
I guess significant would mean something that deviates maybe more than 5% from the classical mechanical handling of the problem at hand.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
AFAIK, the force equation for the circular motion holds correct in SR as well. but, if you're planning to observe a speedy planet, it'd have a GREAT mass, and you'd probably need GR as well. And worse, you need to deal some sort of messy tensor calculus to get along with calculations.
However, to observe effects of SR, you don't need to look at planets, magnetism is a well-known relativistic effect!
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Non-Inertial Relativistic Dynamics
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
High School Relativistic simultaneity and effects on time
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
High School How far away can a World So Newly Born Be at relativistic velocities?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Undergrad Relativistic Energy of Rotating Thin Ring: Quick Qs
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Graduate Relativistic Relative Velocity Comp.: Bini, D. et al. (1995)
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Time Dilation: Gravitational & Velocity Effects Explained
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad Time dilatopause for black holes
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
5K
High School A scenario to help understand the twin paradox in SR
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
High School What if we use a non physical reference point to measure an object's mass?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Undergrad How does an observer moving at relativistic speeds perceive a pulsar?
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K