Particle paths in relativity: frame of reference and double slit results

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of different paths for an object depending on the observer's reference frame. The example given is of a ball dropped from a moving ship, where the observer on the ship sees a straight path while the one on the dock sees a diagonal path. It is stated that there are two possible paths for the ball, and these paths do not combine or destruct in any way. This is similar to the double slit experiment, where the behavior of light changes depending on the observer's observation, similar to how the path of the ball changes depending on the observer's reference frame.
  • #1
zdcyclops
15
5
The apparent path of an object is different for observers in different reference frames. A ball dropped from the top of the mast on a moving ship lands at the base of the mast. An observer on the ship sees the path as straight down while one on the dock sees the path as a diagonal. How many paths are possible for the ball ? Do the paths sum?, are some combinations of paths destructive? This concept of different paths for different observers struck me as being related to the double slit experiment, for the path of the ball dropped from the top of the mast only becomes real when it is observed. The boat is slit A the dock is slit B.
 
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  • #2
The answer to your question is that there are two possible paths for the ball: one path from the observer on the ship, and one path from the observer on the dock. These paths do not sum or combine in any way, and they are not destructive. The concept of different paths for different observers in the double slit experiment is related to the fact that observing the ball's path will change its behavior. In the double slit experiment, when light passes through both slits simultaneously, it behaves differently than if it were just passing through one slit. This is because the act of observation changes the behavior of the light, which is similar to how the path of the ball changes depending on the observer's reference frame.
 

FAQ: Particle paths in relativity: frame of reference and double slit results

1. What is the concept of frame of reference in relativity?

The concept of frame of reference in relativity refers to the perspective from which an observer measures the position, motion, and other physical properties of objects. In relativity, there is no absolute frame of reference, and all measurements are relative to the observer's frame of reference.

2. How does the theory of relativity explain particle paths?

The theory of relativity explains particle paths by taking into account the effects of time dilation and length contraction at high speeds. As a particle moves closer to the speed of light, its path will appear curved to an observer due to these effects.

3. What is the double slit experiment and how does it relate to relativity?

The double slit experiment is a classic experiment in physics that demonstrates the wave-like behavior of particles. In relativity, this experiment can be used to show the effects of time dilation and length contraction on particle paths, as well as the concept of frame of reference.

4. Can particles travel faster than the speed of light in relativity?

No, according to the theory of relativity, particles cannot travel faster than the speed of light. As an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases infinitely and it would require an infinite amount of energy to accelerate it further.

5. How does the concept of frame of reference affect the measurement of particle paths?

The concept of frame of reference is crucial in measuring particle paths in relativity. The measurements of position, velocity, and other physical properties of particles are all relative to the observer's frame of reference. This means that different observers can measure different paths for the same particle, depending on their relative motion and perspective.

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