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2 15
3 10
8
( . )
/
t = 10
-8
s
analyse and interpret some of Einsteins thought experiments involving mirrors and trains and discuss the relationship between
thought and reality
How did the
photon get
here?
Einsteins Thought Experiments
Einstein carried out a thought experiment involving a clock in a box car
A modern version could involve a flash of light and a photocell detector
An observer (a) moving with the space ship observes the light flash
moving vertically between the mirrors of the light clock.
An observer (b) who is passed by the moving ship knows the flash of
light must have moved along a diagonal path, since in the time it takes
the light to go across and back, the ship moves forward.
analyse and interpret some of Einsteins thought experiments involving mirrors and trains and discuss the relationship between
thought and reality
Einsteins Thought Experiments
The longer distance taken by the light flash in following the diagonal
path must be divided by a correspondingly longer time interval to
yield an unvarying value for the speed of light.
analyse and interpret some of Einsteins thought experiments involving mirrors and trains and discuss the relationship between
thought and reality
How did the
photon get
here?
Einsteins Thought Experiments
Einstein carried out a thought experiment involving a clock in a box car
A modern version could involve a flash of light and a photocell detector
Since the speed of light is the same in both frames of reference, the clock
on the train (the moving clock), as seen by the stationary observer, must
be ticking more slowly than the stationary clock.
analyse and interpret some of Einsteins thought experiments involving mirrors and trains and discuss the relationship between
thought and reality
Time Dilation
All moving clocks appear to run slow.
This stretching out of time is called time
dilation, which has nothing to do with the
mechanics of clocks, but instead arises
from the nature of time itself.
Movie: Relativity.car.avi
Brain Break
What does all this mean?
analyse and interpret some of Einsteins thought experiments involving mirrors and trains and discuss the relationship between
thought and reality
To a stationary observer, moving clocks
appear to be ticking more slowly!
And the faster the clock is moving,
the more slowly it appears to tick!
Although we used a light clock, the type of
clock used in this experiment is immaterial
It really is time itself that is moving at
different rates for the two observers!
Brain Break!
Einsteins Thought Experiments
Relativity predicted
1. Time dilation
2. Length contraction
3. Mass increase
analyse information to discuss the relationship between theory and the evidence supporting it, using Einsteins predictions based
on relativity that were made many years before evidence was available to support it
Evidence supporting
1. Atomic clock on plane and
GPS atomic clocks
2. Particle accelerators - path
length from frame of reference
of high-speed particle is
shorter
3. Particle accelerators -
magnetic fields used to control
moving particles have to factor
in the increased particle mass
due to relativistic effects
Einsteins Thought Experiments
analyse information to discuss the relationship between theory and the evidence supporting it, using Einsteins predictions based
on relativity that were made many years before evidence was available to support it
GPS navigation is a application of physics which has had a significant impact on society, making travel by ship
and plane safer, and used in cars, GPS adds to the safety and ease of navigation, improving travel times for
drivers. With GPS, companies can track delivery vehicles, improving efficiency.
Einstein Through the Eyes of Time
Defining the Metre
In contrast to the original definition
of the metre
one ten-millionth of the length of the
earth's meridian along a quadrant
(one-fourth the polar circumference of
the earth)
The following definition now
applies
The metre is the length of the path
travelled by light in vacuum during a
time interval of 1/299 792 458 of a
second
discuss the concept that length standards are defined in terms of time in contrast to the original metre standard
Simultaneity
A boxcar moves with uniform
velocity
Two lightning bolts strike the
ends
The lightning bolts leave
marks (A and B) on the car
and (A and B) on the ground
Two observers are present:
O in the boxcar and O on
the ground
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
Simultaneity
Observer O is midway between the
points of lightning strikes on the
ground, A and B
Observer O is midway between the
points of lightning strikes on the
boxcar, A and B
The light reaches observer O at the
same time
He concludes the light has travelled
at the same speed over equal
distances
Observer O concludes the lightning
bolts occurred simultaneously
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
Simultaneity
By the time the light has reached observer
O, observer O has moved
The light from B reaches the observer O
before the light from A reaches her
The two observers must find that light
travels at the same speed
Observer O concludes the lightning struck
the front of the boxcar before it struck the
back (they were not simultaneous events)
because O knows that the distance
travelled by the light is the same (since he
is in the middle of the train) and therefore,
because he saw the strike from B first, he
deduces that that event happened first
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wteiuxyqtoM
See Simultaneity Einstein TOR.mov
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
Simultaneity
Summary
Two events that are simultaneous in
one reference frame are in general
not simultaneous in a second
reference frame moving relative to
the first
That is, simultaneity is not an
absolute concept, but rather one that
depends on the state of motion of the
observer
In the thought experiment, both
observers are correct, because there
is no preferred inertial reference
frame
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
Massenergy Equivalence
Mass and energy are inter-
convertible
- Nuclear fission / fusion
- Particle / antiparticle annihilation
E = mc
2
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
Length Contraction
In figure A, the rocket is at rest
relative to the Earth and
distances measured from either
frame of reference on the other
are the same
In figure B, the observer on
Earth sees the rocket moving
away and because of the
relative motion, the rocket
appears shorter, l
v
, than it was
at rest, l
o
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
l
v
= l
0
1 v
2
/ c
2
Length Contraction
In figure C, the observer on
rocket sees the Earth moving
away, and because of the
relative motion, the Earth
appears flattened along the axis
of motion
l
o
is the diameter of the Earth as
seen by the observer at rest and
l
v
is the contracted diameter of
the Earth (along the axis of
motion)
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
l
v
= l
0
1 v
2
/ c
2
Length Contraction
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
A fast-moving plane at
different speeds.
[view this live!]
v = 10% c
v = 80% c
v = 99.9%
c
v = 99% c
Length Contraction and Muon Decay
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
Cosmic Ray Muons: Muons are produced in the upper atmosphere in collisions between ultra-high energy
particles and air-molecule nuclei. But they decay (lifetime t = 2.2 s) on their way to the Earths surface:
No relativistic correction
With relativistic correction
Top of the atmosphere
Now time dilation says that muons
will live longer in the Earths frame,
that is, t will increase if v is large.
And their average velocity is 0.994c !
Length Contraction and Muon Decay
From our reference frame on the Earths surface, the
lifetime of the moving muon is much longer than the
lifetime in the muons frame of reference.
Applying the time dilation formula to a muon travelling
at say 2.99995 x 10
8
m s
1
, results in the muons
lifetime of 2.2 s dilating to 380 s.
At this speed, given the lifetime of the muon
observed from our frame of reference, the muon can
travel a distance
d = vt
d = 2.99995 x 10
8
x 380 x 10
6
= 114 km
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
t
v
=
t
o
1
v
2
c
2
Length Contraction and Muon Decay
Muons are created in the upper atmosphere when high energy cosmic rays strike atoms
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
g
In the laboratory, this decay occurs in an average time of t = 2.2 s
Two types of muons decay into electrons and positrons as shown below: [not needed for HSC]
Travelling at the top speed available (c), the muons should decay in a
distance ct = 660 m
In fact, observations on mountains indicate that the muon flux
only drops by a factor of two after d = 6000 m
e
e v v
+ +
+ +
v v + +
e
e
Length Contraction and Muon Decay
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
The muons decay time as measured in our reference frame is thus
t = d/c = 20
This time dilation implies that the muons must be travelling so fast that
t/t = 9.1
c v 994 . 0 =
The observed behaviour of muons is consistent with the predictions of special
relativity. This fact helps to validate the theory of relativity. (H2)
Length Contraction
The Tevatron at Fermilab in Chicago accelerates protons and antiprotons to almost
1000 GeV, or one teraelectron volt (1 TeV). At this speed, they are travelling only 300
kilometres per hour slower than the speed of light, the protons and antiprotons circle
the Tevatron in opposite directions. The beams ultimately collide with each other at
creating bursts of new particles.
Question
The speed of light = 299 792 458 m / s
1. Deduce the speed of the protons in the Tevatron.
2. If the path length that the protons follow at this speed is 6.44 km relative to a scientist
working at the Tevatron, what distance do the protons travel in their frame of
reference?
1. v = 299 792 458 - 83.3 = 299 792 374.7 m / s
2.
l
v
= l
o
1
v
2
c
2
= 6.44 1
299787458
2
299792458
2
= 0.037 km
Time Dilation
Time passes more slowly in a
frame of reference moving relative
to an observer.
This real effect is called time
dilation.
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
t
v
=
t
0
1v
2
/c
2
Galileo - Newton Einstein
Time Dilation
Time passes more slowly in a
frame of reference moving relative
to an observer.
This real effect is called time
dilation.
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
t
v
=
t
0
1v
2
/c
2
Einstein - Station F.O.R. Einstein - Train F.O.R.
Time Dilation - Twin Paradox
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
The Set-up
Mary and Frank are twins. Mary, an astronaut,
leaves on a trip many light years (ly) from the
Earth at great speed and returns; Frank
decides to remain safely on Earth.
The Problem
Frank knows that Marys clocks measuring her age must run slow, so she will return
younger than he. However, Mary (who also knows about time dilation) claims that
Frank is also moving relative to her, and so his clocks must run slow.
The Paradox
Who, in fact, is younger upon Marys return?
Time Dilation - Twin Paradox Resolution
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
Franks clock is in an inertial system during the entire
trip. But Marys clock is not. As long as Mary is traveling
at constant speed away from Frank, both of them can
argue that the other twin is aging less rapidly.
But when Mary slows down to turn around, she leaves
her original inertial system and eventually returns in a
completely different
inertial system.
Marys claim is no longer valid,
because she doesnt remain
in the same inertial system.
Frank does, however, and
Mary ages less than Frank.
x
t
Time Dilation - Atomic Clock Validation
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
Two planes travelled east and west,
respectively, around the Earth as it
rotated. Atomic clocks on the planes
were compared with similar clocks
kept at the US Naval Observatory to
show that the moving clocks in the
planes ran slower.
The results of this experiment
validated Einsteins theory.
Travel Predicted Observed
Eastward -40 23 ns -59 10 ns Traveling twin
Westward 275 21 ns 273 7 ns Stay-at-home twin
Mass Dilation
Objects moving relative to the observer
increase in mass compared with their
masses when at rest relative to the
observer.
Calculate the mass of a proton at its
maximum speed in the Fermilab Tevatron.
Proton rest mass is 1.67262158 10
-27
kg.
v = 299 792 374.7 m / s
c = 299 792 458
The mass increases by a factor of 1341
times the rest mass.
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
m
v
=
m
0
1v
2
/c
2
Special Relativity
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the consequence of special relativity in relation to: (a) the relativity of simultaneity (b) the
equivalence between mass and energy (c) length contraction (d) time dilation (e) mass dilation
Relativity Video
Watch the Ustinov video clip . . .
Einsteins Universe Relativity.mov
Special Relativity
solve problems and analyse information using
Special Relativity
solve problems and analyse information using
c = 299 792 458 m s
-1
(a) What will be the mean life time of a muon measured in a laboratory if it
is travelling at v = 0.6c with respect to the laboratory? Its mean life time
at rest is 2.2 x 10
-6
s.
(b) How far does a muon travel in the laboratory, before decaying?
Solution (a) t
v
=
t
o
1
v
2
c
2
=
2.2 10
6
1
(0.6c)
2
c
2
= 2.75 x 10
-6
s
Solution (b) s = vt = 0.6 x c x 2.75 x 10
-6
s = 494.7 m
Special Relativity
See Space notes for
extended discussion
discuss the implications of mass increase, time dilation and length contraction for space travel
G
a
l
a
x
i
e
s
A word from the creator
This PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Greg Pitt of
Hurlstone Agricultural High School.
Please feel free to use this material as you see fit, but if you
use substantial parts of this presentation, leave this slide in
the presentation.
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Initial Acceleration of Space Shuttle