How Fast Must You Travel to See Light Pulses Simultaneously?

In summary, the conversation discusses the observation of two light pulses being emitted 5 km apart and separated by 5 µs in an inertial frame. The question is to find the velocity v of another frame where the pulses are observed to be simultaneous, traveling parallel to the line joining the points where the pulses are emitted. The suggested attempt is to draw a space-time diagram to solve the problem.
  • #1
oa8
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Homework Statement


In a certain inertial frame two light pulses are emitted a distance 5 km apart and separated by 5 µs. As observed from another frame, which is traveling parallel to the line joining the points where the pulses are emitted at a velocity v with respect to this frame, the pulses are simultaneous. Find v.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


i know this should be very simple, but i am so stuck!
 
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  • #2
You need to make more of an effort before we can help. What have you tried? Try drawing a space-time diagram of the situation, showing the light pulses.
 

FAQ: How Fast Must You Travel to See Light Pulses Simultaneously?

1. What is the theory of relativity?

The theory of relativity is a scientific theory developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. It explains the relationship between space and time and how they are affected by gravity.

2. What is the difference between special relativity and general relativity?

Special relativity deals with the laws of physics in non-accelerating frames of reference, while general relativity takes into account the effects of gravity on space and time in all frames of reference.

3. How does relativity impact our daily lives?

Relativity has many practical applications, such as in GPS technology, which relies on the precise timing of atomic clocks that are affected by both special and general relativity. It also helps us understand the behavior of objects in space and the large-scale structure of the universe.

4. Is relativity still a valid theory today?

Yes, relativity is still a widely accepted theory in modern physics. It has been extensively tested and has consistently been found to accurately describe many phenomena in the universe.

5. Are there any challenges or limitations to the theory of relativity?

While the theory of relativity has been incredibly successful in explaining and predicting many phenomena, it is not a complete theory and does not yet fully integrate with other important theories in physics, such as quantum mechanics.

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