Special Relativity; Twice Simultaneously. A train of proper length L moves at sp

Question

Special Relativity; Twice Simultaneously.

A train of proper length L moves at speed v with respect to the ground. When the front of the train passes a tree on the ground, a ball is simultaneously (as measured in the ground frame) thrown from the back of the train toward the front, with speed u with respect to the train. What should u be so that the ball hits the front simultaneously (as measured in the train frame) with the tree passing the back of the train? Show that in order for a solution for u to exist, we must have v/c < ((sqrt5)-1)/2 , which happens to be the inverse of the golden ratio.

Explanation / Answer

speed of u must be greater than the speed of train

otherwise it can not hit the front

and its speed should be such that it covers the distance L that is length of the train

in the moment the train front crosses the tree

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse S
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.