All Questions
112
questions
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Co-ordinates and change of frame in relativity [closed]
Given an inertial co-ordinate system, and observer at the origin. I'll make it concrete, for simplicity. He sees an object at the point $x = +10$, moving at velocity $v = +1$. He's subjected to a ...
- 55
0
votes
3
answers
130
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Can you tell who is moving through time? [closed]
In relativity, there is no way to tell if you are moving through space. So, if you were inside of a box, there would be no way for you to tell if you were moving or not. However, can you know who is ...
- 33
-4
votes
1
answer
116
views
Absolute rest in special relativity
I am new to special relativity and with still little experience in Physics. I would like to know why a privileged frame of reference that determines absolute rest is not possible. I want you to ...
- 13
1
vote
1
answer
58
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On the distinction between frame of reference and observer
A Stack Exchange answer illustrates reference frame and observer as follows:
A frame of reference means a co-ordinate system and an observer is someone using that co-ordinate system. For example I ...
user390010
0
votes
1
answer
90
views
Special Relaticity and Uniform Circular Motion, a (Seemingly) Elementary Problem?
Suppose somewhere in the abyss of space, person X is in a free-float frame. X observes spaceship Y travelling in a uniform circular path centered at X. X measures Y's constant speed to be V and Y's ...
2
votes
3
answers
147
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Relativity of Simultaneity - Why doesn't the train/lightning example contradict the absolute speed of light?
I know similar questions have been asked here before, but none of them seem quite to address my particular confusion.
I'm not afraid of math (I did well in calc III last semester, for example) but my ...
- 23
2
votes
1
answer
102
views
Lorentz-like transformations of 1+1 dimensional Minkowski space
Alice lives in 1+1 dimensional Minkowski spacetime. Bob travels at a constant
velocity $v$ with respect to Alice. When Alice assigns coordinates $(t,x)$
to an event, Bob assigns coordinates $F(t,x)$ ...
- 15.9k
0
votes
6
answers
385
views
Time dilation and understanding which is $\Delta t$ and which is proper time $\tau$
In the textbook that we are using, the definition for proper time $\tau$ is the interval between two events, as measured by an observer who is at rest with the two events. The definition for $\Delta t$...
7
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Why is relativity of simultaneity so special?
I am currently learning about relativity of simultaneity right now, and I feel like this is a common phenomena that we experience every day (question at end). The example from Fundamentals of Physics ...
- 73
1
vote
3
answers
189
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Why is $dt/d\tau=\gamma$? What is $dt/d\tau$ supposed to mean exactly?
I'm a math student trying to learn some physics by reading Susskind's The Theoretical Minimum. In the volume on special relativity he derives that $\frac{dt}{d\tau}=\gamma=1/\sqrt{1-v^2}$ and uses it ...
- 23
3
votes
4
answers
731
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Intuitive Derivation of Length Contraction in Special Relativity via Thought Experiment
I am trying to intuitively derive length contraction in special relativity using a thought experiment, without relying on Lorentz transformations. My aim is to obtain a derivation similar to how time ...
- 33
0
votes
3
answers
176
views
How do I make spacetime diagram consistent with length contraction? [closed]
Say the Earth and a distant galaxy is a distance $l$ away from each other. There is also a spaceship starting its journey at the Earth with a speed $u$ towards the galaxy.
I tried to draw a spacetime ...
- 111
1
vote
2
answers
219
views
Deriving time dilation from a moving photon clock [closed]
This is my attempt of simple derivation of time dilation from a moving photon clock.
Consider this schematics:
A) is photon clock as seen from a photon clock reference frame (or
as by observer ...
0
votes
2
answers
239
views
Is time measured, a property of the object or of the frame in which the object is observed? [closed]
I'm a bit confused behind the idea of the twin paradox. Suppose we fix a given frame, then in this given frame, wouldn't all objects read the same time making twin paradox meaningless as everyone ...
- 7,980
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votes
2
answers
92
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Beginner question special relativity: How many clocks does each observer use when measuring simultaneity?
I am reading a bit about special relativity and saw this picture in a book:
If I understand correctly, the author is using it to demonstrate that when we consider observer Alice at rest, she will ...
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