Describe the disagreement on event simultaneity in the twin paradox according to Malik and Maha.
In the twin paradox, when Malik reaches the star, he perceives this as event P. Maha, observed from Earth, considers Malik's arrival at the star as event Q. They disagree on whether events Q and R are simultaneous, reflecting how simultaneity is relative in special relativity.
What asymmetry causes the different experiences of time in the twin paradox?
The asymmetry arises because one twin (Malik) changes inertial reference frames by turning around to return home, while the other twin (Maha) remains in a single inertial frame.
Why doesn't Malik observe Maha aging more slowly if he sees her moving away at high speed?
While Malik sees Maha in motion, and might expect time dilation effects, there is a lack of symmetry: Maha remains in her inertial frame, experiencing no acceleration, whereas Malik undergoes acceleration during his journey, altering his frame of reference and time experience.
What do hyperbolas above and below the x-axis in a spacetime diagram represent?
In spacetime diagrams, hyperbolas above the x-axis represent future events (occurring after ct=0), while those below indicate past events (before ct=0).
What is the spacetime interval equation for an invariant hyperbola?
(ct)² - x² = ±(constant)²
Why do different observers perceive events as non-simultaneous?
Lack of simultaneity occurs because the speed of light is constant in all inertial frames, affecting the timing of events as seen by moving observers.
Why does Jill see light hit one end of the moving train carriage before the other?
Due to the train's motion, light meets the left-hand end moving towards it and the right-hand end moving away, causing Jill to see light strike the left end first, even as light moves at constant speed c.
How does simultaneity differ between Galilean and Einsteinian relativity?
In Galilean relativity, simultaneity is absolute, with a universal time for all reference frames. In Einstein's relativity, simultaneity is relative; it depends on the observer's motion because the speed of light is constant in all inertial frames.
What is the relationship between the angle θ, the velocity (v), and the speed of light (c) in a spacetime diagram?
tan θ = v/c, or θ = tan–1(v/c).
Why is the speed of light often set to 1 in physics calculations?
Physicists sometimes set the speed of light, c, to be equal to 1 to streamline equations and reduce the complexity of using extremely large numbers, which is particularly useful in theoretical physics and calculations involving the theory of relativity.