paradoxs Flashcards
what is the twin paradox?
The twin paradox is a thought experiment in special relativity involving two twins: one stays on Earth while the other travels at high speed in space. Due to time dilation, the traveling twin ages more slowly than the stay-at-home twin. The apparent paradox is resolved by recognizing that the traveling twin undergoes acceleration and changes in inertial frames, unlike the stay-at-home twin. This difference in experiences results in the traveling twin being younger upon return.
what is the flashing lights on a train paradox?
The flashing lights on a train paradox involves a train moving at high speed with lights flashing from the front to the back. Observers inside the train see the light flashing evenly from the front to the back. However, an observer standing still outside the train sees the light moving slower towards the rear of the train due to the train’s motion. The paradox is resolved by understanding that the speed of light is constant for all observers, and the different perceptions of light’s motion result from relativistic effects, not any actual discrepancy in the speed of light.
what is the ladder in barn paradox?
The ladder in a barn paradox involves a ladder that is longer than the barn when at rest, but it can fit inside the barn when the ladder is moving at a high speed due to length contraction from special relativity. From the perspective of an observer inside the barn, the ladder contracts and fits inside the barn during the time it is within. However, from the ladder’s perspective, the barn contracts and appears shorter. This paradox is resolved by recognizing that simultaneity is relative; different observers measure different lengths due to their relative velocities, but all measurements are consistent within the framework of special relativity.
