What if light clock experiment was done on top of train?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of conducting a light clock experiment on top of a moving train. It establishes that the light clock on the train is in an inertial frame, similar to the interior of the train, despite the presence of air resistance. The conversation also explores the analogy of a table tennis game, asserting that the ball's behavior inside the train mirrors that on the platform, provided conditions are equivalent. Furthermore, it concludes that even if the train's structure were altered to an open-patio design, the time measurements between the train and the platform would remain consistent as long as the train's speed is unchanged.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inertial reference frames in physics
  • Familiarity with the principles of special relativity
  • Basic knowledge of light clock experiments
  • Concept of relative motion and air resistance effects
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of inertial frames in special relativity
  • Study the mechanics of light clocks and their applications
  • Explore the effects of air resistance on moving objects
  • Investigate the relationship between speed and time dilation in relativistic physics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and enthusiasts interested in the principles of relativity, inertial frames, and the behavior of light in moving systems.

wdai03
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
If the light clock was on top of the train, it wouldn't be in a inertial system. If a table tennis game was played inside the train, the ball would move as if played on the platform. But it wouldn't be possible ontop of the train.
Does the light react the similarly to a table-tennis ball or is a photon too small to be affected? So would the observer on the platform see the light trail behind the train?

If the light clock theory doesn't work or is effected in some way (i'm not a brilliant scientist so i have no clue what would happen), what would happen if the train, after some time of travelling, was suddenly upgraded into a open-patio-class seating carriage i.e. the roof and walls of the train was suddenly ripped off? Will the time difference just suddenly disappear?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
wdai03 said:
If the light clock was on top of the train, it wouldn't be in a inertial system.
Why not?
If a table tennis game was played inside the train, the ball would move as if played on the platform. But it wouldn't be possible ontop of the train.
Only because there would be air rushing by. Put the same conditions on the platform (have air rushing by at the same rate) and the game would look the same.

If the light clock theory doesn't work or is effected in some way (i'm not a brilliant scientist so i have no clue what would happen), what would happen if the train, after some time of travelling, was suddenly upgraded into a open-patio-class seating carriage i.e. the roof and walls of the train was suddenly ripped off? Will the time difference just suddenly disappear?
No. As long as the speed of the train remained the same, time measurements between train and platform would have the same relationship.
 
Hi wdai03, welcome to PF,

I am afraid that your premise is mistaken. The top of the train is also a inertial coordinate system in every way that the interior of the train is.

I think you are confusing a frame being inertial with the air being at rest in that frame.
 

Similar threads

High School Why do you need a light clock?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Einstein's light clock thought experiment
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Graduate Questions on length contraction in train light clock experiment?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Graduate Need help understanding Einstein's Light Clock experiment
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
12K
Undergrad Understanding the Einstein Train Thought Experiment: Scenario Comparisons
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Turning Einstein’s train thought experiment on its head
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Rephrasing the train and platform thought experiment
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Graduate Does light must be wave-like in Einstein mirror clock thought experiment?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Graduate Modelling Einstein's Thought Experiments (Trains + Mirrors)
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
13K
Graduate Why does the photon bounce vertically in the light-clock?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K