Why does laser beam hit the same target when fired?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of laser beams consistently hitting the same target despite the Earth's rotation. Participants clarify that once a laser is calibrated and aimed at a target, the light travels in a straight line, unaffected by the Earth's movement. The speed of light remains constant, and the relative motion of the target does not alter the laser's trajectory, as both the laser and target share the same relative motion during the experiment. Therefore, as long as the setup remains unchanged, the laser will hit the same spot every time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the speed of light (approximately 299,792,458 meters per second)
  • Basic knowledge of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity
  • Familiarity with laser calibration techniques
  • Concept of relative motion in physics
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  • Research the principles of laser calibration and alignment methods
  • Explore the implications of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity on light behavior
  • Investigate the effects of Earth's rotation on projectile motion
  • Learn about measuring techniques for detecting minute deviations in laser targeting
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Physics students, optical engineers, laser technicians, and anyone interested in the principles of light behavior and calibration in experimental setups.

  • #91
jay t said:
can we stop this
Sure. I've just done so, by closing this thread.

jay t said:
why can you agree the obvious?
We all agree on what is obvious to us, who understand special relativity: that the light pulses in your original question will both hit the same target at the same place, since the light source and the target are at rest relative to each other.

You are the one who continues to be unable to agree to this obvious fact.

jay t said:
If two people are running to a finish line at constant speed, then of course they wont reach the same time.
Yes, we all agree on that.

jay t said:
And if the finishline is scrolling, then of course they wont reach the same point if the runners choose the direction of their run relative to the ground, rather than relative to the scrolling finish line.
Note the bolded addition to your statement in the quote above. It is crucial. Your logic has that bolded addition as an unstated assumption. And that unstated assumption, while you can declare that it is true for your runner example, is not true for your original question about the light source and the target. As your original question was stated, both the light source and the target are "scrolling", and the light's motion, viewed in the "ground" frame (the frame which, in your runner example, is not "scrolling"), will "scroll" right along with the source and the target. That is what the principle of relativity says, and countless experiments have shown that the principle of relativity is correct on this point.

So if your "logic" tells you anything else, your "logic" is wrong. At this point everyone else in this thread has spent more than enough effort in trying to explain why your "logic" is wrong. Enough is enough. At this point you're on your own. This thread is closed.

jay t said:
Why are you being so difficult with an obvious question? Is not like you will lose anything man. omg.
This kind of attitude is not going to help you at all. When you are the one who is wrong, accusing others who are right, and who have been very patient in trying to explain to you why they are right and you are wrong, of being "difficult" is only going to make things worse.

If you ask, how do I know we're right and you're wrong, see what I said above about what countless experiments have shown. (And in my post #52, as I've already noted, I gave you a simple everyday phenomenon that demonstrates that a key element of what you think you understand is simply wrong.)

Thread closed.
 
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