Why do objects appear shorter and clocks run slower in space stations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of relativistic motion on the perception of time and length, specifically addressing why objects appear shorter and clocks run slower in the context of space stations. The scope includes theoretical aspects of relativity and conceptual clarifications regarding Lorentz transformations and time dilation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the Lorentz transformations affect only the x direction, which may explain why a ruler appears shorter in a moving reference frame.
  • There is a claim that clocks appear to run slower in a moving reference frame due to time dilation effects, with some participants agreeing on this point.
  • One participant proposes that if traveling at 80% the speed of light, their clock would appear to slow down significantly to an observer in a different inertial frame.
  • Another participant clarifies that both observers see each other's clocks running slower, challenging the idea that one observer sees the other's clock running faster.
  • There is a correction regarding the percentage of time dilation, with a participant stating that it should be 60% instead of 80% based on the Lorentz factor.
  • One participant discusses the concept of space-time compression for the moving observer and how it relates to the perception of time for the stationary observer.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the relationship between the speed of light and the time experienced by observers, suggesting that time must be "spread out" for the speed of light to remain constant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the effects of time dilation and length contraction, but there are competing views on the specifics of how these effects are perceived by different observers. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact interpretations and implications of these relativistic effects.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on assumptions about the observers' frames of reference and the application of Lorentz transformations. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and varying interpretations of time dilation and length contraction.

MotoH
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Since the lorentz transformations do not change an object in the z and y directions, but it does in the x direction, is this why a ruler looks shorter in the space station example? (same everything on each station, one moving by your IFR) Also is it why the clock appears to be running slower than your own?

Sorry if I am a little vague, I am new to relativity!
 
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Hi MotoH! :smile:
MotoH said:
Since the lorentz transformations do not change an object in the z and y directions, but it does in the x direction, is this why a ruler looks shorter in the space station example? (same everything on each station, one moving by your IFR) Also is it why the clock appears to be running slower than your own?

Yes, and yes. :wink:
 
Thanks for the reply!

Just to clarify, from what I understand (correct me if I am wrong please!)

If you were following a laser beam at say 80% the speed of light, your clock would have to slow down by 80% to keep the speed of light a constant, so anyone who is looking at you from their IFR see's your clock moving 80% slower than yours.

And you see the other peoples clocks at running 80% faster than yours?
 
MotoH said:
And you see the other peoples clocks at running 80% faster than yours?

No, you "see" their clocks as running slower than your own, by the same amount that they "see" your clocks as running slower than their own.
 
And the clocks will be at 60%, not 80%, because 0.6 = √(1 - 0.82). :wink:
 
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So for observer B who is traveling along in his awesome space ship, observer A's clock looks to be running slow because observer B's space time is compressed and A's isnt. and the same works for switching the observers. correct?
 
MotoH said:
So for observer B who is traveling along in his awesome space ship, observer A's clock looks to be running slow because observer B's space time is compressed and A's isnt. and the same works for switching the observers. correct?

Correct, but let's say because time dilation occurs which does not involve 'space'. That is GR!
 
Sorry I am asking for so much clarification!

For observer A to have the speed of light be constant for observer B, observer B's time needs to be more spread out so C = 3x10^8m/s otherwise if time was not spread out for observer B, the speed of light would be only Xm/s faster than he is, so the clock on observer B's ship is slower than observer A's asteroid because it takes longer to travel from one line to the next.

Does this seem more on par, am I on the right track?:-p

Thanks!
 

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