What or why is correct or true in regards to THE LIGHT CONE and EVENTS in SPECIA

Question

What or why is correct or true in regards to THE LIGHT CONE and EVENTS in SPECIAL RELATIVITY - choose one of the three alternatives each for a) - d)

a) EVENTS INSIDE THE PAST LIGHT CONE (1. Can affect us here and now - 2. Cannot affect us here and now - 3. Can only affect us with light-rays/beams)

b) SPACE-LIKE SEPARATED EVENTS HERE AND NOW (1. Can never affect each other - 2. Can affect each other in the future - 3. Can only affect each other through light-flashes/signals)

c) THE LIGHT CONE (1. Separates space-like from time-like - 2. Can only be used for light - 3. Contains all four spacetime-dimensions)

d) IF AN EVENT IS SEPARATED BY A TIME-LIKE INTERVAL FROM AN EVENT HERE AND NOW (1. They cannot affect each other - 2. They can affect each other but only through a light-flash/signal - 3. Can affect each other)

Explanation / Answer

A) Events inside the past light cone can affect us here and now (Ans: 1)

B) (Ans:1) Can never affect each other in the future. In a space like case, objects can travel faster than the speed of light. Since no object with mass can travel at such a speed, the two events are not causally connected.

C) Ans: 2, Lightcone is the surface used for light only.

D) Ans: 3, Events can affect each other in a timelike interval, it is called cause and effect.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse W
• Subjects

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