Zeno's Paradox Applied to Physics: Can Object B Catch Up?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of Zeno's Paradox in physics, specifically regarding two objects: A, traveling at half the speed of light, and B, traveling at the speed of light. The key conclusion is that from object B's perspective, it can never catch up to object A, despite moving faster, due to the nature of time perception at light speed. Conversely, from object A's perspective, B would appear to pass it quickly. This paradox highlights the complexities of relativistic physics and the implications of different frames of reference.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Zeno's Paradox
  • Basic principles of Einstein's Theory of Relativity
  • Knowledge of the speed of light as a universal constant
  • Familiarity with concepts of time dilation and reference frames
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  • Research Einstein's Theory of Relativity and its implications on time and space
  • Explore the concept of time dilation in relativistic physics
  • Study the mathematical formulations of Zeno's Paradox in modern physics
  • Investigate how different reference frames affect the perception of motion
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Physicists, students of theoretical physics, and anyone interested in the implications of relativistic motion and philosophical paradoxes in science.

tortoiseftw
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Ok, so I have been looking at Zeno's Paradox and it occurred to me that it could possibly be applied in physics.

The way i worked it out is like so:

If an object A is traveling at half the speed of light is given a head start in a race vs an object B that is traveling at exactly the speed of light, B will always remain behind A, never being able to catch up or pass object A even though B is going faster. This seems true because from the perspective of B, time is non-existent. So when measuring the distance in the race from the perspective of B, distance covered would be measured in intervals, not time units. At the same time however, if the race is measured from the perspective of A, object A would see B pass it rather quickly because time does exist in the perspective of object A.

So i just wanted to know if anybody thinks this a valid observation? Is it possible that B will pass A, from A's perspective, while simultaneously never being able to pass A from B's own perspective?
 
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Here's Zeno's Paradox for those unfamiliar with it.

http://www.suitcaseofdreams.net/Paradox_Achilles.htm
 
Zeno's paradox has been resolved for centuries now. Adding unphysical observers moving at the speed of light makes it even less relevant to physics, not more relevant.
 
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