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fandomhigh2005-11-04 08:53 am
equalsmcsquared.livejournal.com) wrote in fandomhigh2005-11-04 08:53 am
Entry tags:
Physics
Greetings, everyone. I have an appointment later today, so I am forgoing the lecture portion of today's class and only requiring you complete the following experiment.
We will use the experiment to derive the equation for time dilation. Following the steps of the derivation may also help you to understand how Einstein’s postulates lead inescapably to the conclusion that time dilation occurs.
The experiment uses a light-based clock mounted on a high-speed skateboard. Ordinary clocks use periodic mechanical or electric processes, such as the oscillation of a pendulum or a timing circuit, to establish a unit of time. A light clock uses the amount of time it takes a pulse of light to travel a particular distance. The light clock is convenient to use in this scenario, but any clock would record the same result.
A light pulse is emitted from the base of the clock. The pulse reflects off the top of the clock and returns to the bottom. The clock measures time by using the relationship of time to distance and speed. The elapsed time for the up-and-down journey equals the distance the light pulse travels, divided by the speed of light.
In our experiment, let’s consider one “tick” of the clock. The light rises from the bottom of the clock, reflects off the top, and returns to the bottom. The professor, who is also on the skateboard, sees the light pulse moving straight up and down, and he measures the distance it travels as being twice the height of the clock . . .
Oh, and Hank? I apologize for leaving without answering your question yesterday. Your paper was more than acceptable. *smiles*
We will use the experiment to derive the equation for time dilation. Following the steps of the derivation may also help you to understand how Einstein’s postulates lead inescapably to the conclusion that time dilation occurs.
The experiment uses a light-based clock mounted on a high-speed skateboard. Ordinary clocks use periodic mechanical or electric processes, such as the oscillation of a pendulum or a timing circuit, to establish a unit of time. A light clock uses the amount of time it takes a pulse of light to travel a particular distance. The light clock is convenient to use in this scenario, but any clock would record the same result.
A light pulse is emitted from the base of the clock. The pulse reflects off the top of the clock and returns to the bottom. The clock measures time by using the relationship of time to distance and speed. The elapsed time for the up-and-down journey equals the distance the light pulse travels, divided by the speed of light.
In our experiment, let’s consider one “tick” of the clock. The light rises from the bottom of the clock, reflects off the top, and returns to the bottom. The professor, who is also on the skateboard, sees the light pulse moving straight up and down, and he measures the distance it travels as being twice the height of the clock . . .
Oh, and Hank? I apologize for leaving without answering your question yesterday. Your paper was more than acceptable. *smiles*
no subject
She is tired but happy. She happily goes over to her skate board to launch it.
((OOC: I am sorry if this character has not been coming to the class I have just adopted her. She will be in regular attendance from now on))