- #1
andrewpareles
- 2
- 0
Say there is a circular fence that has a diameter of 10 meters, and a rocket ship that is normally 20 meters goes very quickly so that its relativistic length is 1m from the position of an observer standing at rest with relation to the fence.
The rocket ship starts to go in a circle inside the fenced area. From the perspective of the person at the fence, this is perfectly fine and normal since the rocket is 1m long.
However, from the perspective of the people in the rocket, the fence is contracted in the direction of movement and the rocket couldn't possibly fit in the fenced area.
Who is right and how do you resolve the paradox?
I'm thinking it has to do with acceleration but have no idea what is wrong with it! Normally questions like this are resolved with time and lack of simultaneity, but the fence is always closed
The rocket ship starts to go in a circle inside the fenced area. From the perspective of the person at the fence, this is perfectly fine and normal since the rocket is 1m long.
However, from the perspective of the people in the rocket, the fence is contracted in the direction of movement and the rocket couldn't possibly fit in the fenced area.
Who is right and how do you resolve the paradox?
I'm thinking it has to do with acceleration but have no idea what is wrong with it! Normally questions like this are resolved with time and lack of simultaneity, but the fence is always closed