If we say that the speed of light is the same in all inertial frames, this has serious
implications for the concepts we hold about time and distance, as speed is measured in
units of
There are several issues we have to think through as a result of this.
The Relative Nature of Simultaneity |
It is no longer possible to talk about events happening simultaneously, as can be seen from the following simple story.
Mr. Flat Hat is sitting on a train moving near the speed of light, while Mr. Round Hat remains on the platform. The train and the platform have the misfortune to be struck by lightning at both ends of Mr. Flat Hat's compartment.
The crucial question is :
As far as Mr. Flat Hat is concerned, the lightning struck the front of the train first.
However, Mr. Round Hat says that the bolts hit simultaneously.
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