PHYSICS SEMINAR
Douglas
T. Young
Department of Physics
Mercer University
Wednesday,
October 1, 2003
Willet Science Center 101
"Simultaneity
in Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity:
An Analysis of the Train/Embankment Thought Experiment"
Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity deals with the consequences of a finite, and fixed, value for the speed of light in a vacuum. One of the consequences of the finite speed of light is the loss of simultaneity in reference frames in motion relative to each other. Einstein proposed a thought experiment that illustrated this lack of simultaneity in which a lightning strikes a train in motion relative to the train station (i.e. the embankment). In a recent paper in the European Journal of Physics, Avi Nelson attempts to further analyze this thought experiment. In this talk, a brief introduction to the train/embankment thought experiment will be presented, followed by an examination of Nelson’s analysis. The talk will conclude by examining the merit of Nelson’s analysis.
See also our previous seminar on this topic.
Please
join us for light refreshments outside WSC 109 at 4:15.