Why Does Stationary Observer See Light Clock Traverse Longer Distance?

Click For Summary
The stationary observer perceives the light clock on a moving spaceship as traversing a longer distance due to the principles of relativity, which dictate that the path of light appears elongated from a different frame of reference. This phenomenon can be illustrated through the analogy of a ball bouncing between the floor and ceiling, where the stationary observer sees the ball's path as longer compared to the moving observer's perspective. The discussion emphasizes that both observations are valid within their respective frames of reference, highlighting the concept that there is no absolute 'reality'—only relative observations. Ultimately, the question of whether a ball would actually take a longer path in reality aligns with the idea that all motion is relative. Understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping the implications of Einstein's theory of relativity.
goodabouthood
Messages
127
Reaction score
0
Why does the stationary observer see the spaceship light clock traverse a longer distance?

How can you prove this? I don't understand why he sees the light take a longer path.

I understand it because you tell me this is so but I don't understand why it actually happens.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you understand how a ball boncing between the floor and the ceiling would appear to the stationary observer to traverse a longer path than it would to an observer on the spaceship?
 
I can but that still doesn't really answer the question.

I can actually imagine it both ways. I can imagine looking at the moving observer and seeing his ball bounce directly up and down. I can also imagine it taking the longer path.

Would a ball actually take a longer path in reality?

I want to know why light takes a longer path.
 
Yes, the way you can imagine it both ways are two different ways you can describe the motion of the ball and the light which would be identical to two different Frames of Reference.
 
goodabouthood said:
Would a ball actually take a longer path in reality?
there is no 'reality' only 'relativity'
 

Thread 'EPR revisited'

In an inertial frame of reference (IFR), there are two fixed points, A and B, which share an entangled state $$ \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(|0>_A|1>_B+|1>_A|0>_B) $$ At point A, a measurement is made. The state then collapses to $$ |a>_A|b>_B, \{a,b\}=\{0,1\} $$ We assume that A has the state ##|a>_A## and B has ##|b>_B## simultaneously, i.e., when their synchronized clocks both read time T However, in other inertial frames, due to the relativity of simultaneity, the moment when B has ##|b>_B##...
View full post »

Similar threads

High School Einstein thought experiment confusion: “light clock in a moving frame”
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Analyzing Time Dilation in a Spaceship-Mars Scenario
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad The Einstein Clock aka Light Clock
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about length contraction
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
6K
High School Why do you need a light clock?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Revisiting the Light Clock
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
769
High School Let me ask a thing about the Speed of Light
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Atomic Clock Speed graph between two stationary masses
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about the reciprocity of time dilation
  • · Replies 88 ·
3
Replies
88
Views
7K
Undergrad Speed of light one more time
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K