Relativity of Simultaneity

Initializing live version
Download to Desktop

Requires a Wolfram Notebook System

Interact on desktop, mobile and cloud with the free Wolfram Player or other Wolfram Language products.

One of the most dramatic consequences of Einstein's theory of special relativity is the "relativity of simultaneity", the fact that events perceived as simultaneous by one observer appear separated in time in a different frame of reference. In this Demonstration, light pulses are emitted at the center of a moving train and strike both ends. The pulses can then be reflected back toward their source. An observer on board the train sees both pulses moving at the speed of light and striking the ends of the train simultaneously, regardless of the train's velocity; an observer outside the train sees both pulses moving at the speed of light and striking the ends of the train at different times, depending on the speed and direction of the train's motion.

Contributed by: Quentin Sedlacek (March 2011)
Based on a program by: Howard Georgi
Open content licensed under CC BY-NC-SA


Snapshots


Details



Feedback (field required)
Email (field required) Name
Occupation Organization
Note: Your message & contact information may be shared with the author of any specific Demonstration for which you give feedback.
Send