a) b) (Barn-pole paradox) As shown in the figure below, a barn with a (resting) width of w = 5.0m is at rest on the ground. A pole with a resting length of 1 = 6.0m is flying towards the barn at a fast speed of 0.8c relative to the barn. (c denotes the speed of light.) 6. a) Calculate the length of the pole as measured by an observer that is at rest with the barn (standing on the direction of motion of the pole). 6. b) 6. c) 6. Calculate the width of the barn as measured by an observer that is at rest with the pole (sitting on the pole and flying towards the barn). From your calculations for parts (a) and (b), it is evident that the observer on the ground thinks that the pole can fit in the barn, while the observer on the pole thinks that the pole cannot fit in the barn. Suppose that the barn is equipped with automatic front and back doors. Use the relativistic nature of simultaneity to explain the barn-pole paradox: can the front and back doors momentarily trap the pole in the barn (without hitting the pole)? Which observer is correct? v=0.8 c v=0.8 c
a) b) (Barn-pole paradox) As shown in the figure below, a barn with a (resting) width of w = 5.0m is at rest on the ground. A pole with a resting length of 1 = 6.0m is flying towards the barn at a fast speed of 0.8c relative to the barn. (c denotes the speed of light.) 6. a) Calculate the length of the pole as measured by an observer that is at rest with the barn (standing on the direction of motion of the pole). 6. b) 6. c) 6. Calculate the width of the barn as measured by an observer that is at rest with the pole (sitting on the pole and flying towards the barn). From your calculations for parts (a) and (b), it is evident that the observer on the ground thinks that the pole can fit in the barn, while the observer on the pole thinks that the pole cannot fit in the barn. Suppose that the barn is equipped with automatic front and back doors. Use the relativistic nature of simultaneity to explain the barn-pole paradox: can the front and back doors momentarily trap the pole in the barn (without hitting the pole)? Which observer is correct? v=0.8 c v=0.8 c
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