Relativistic Clocks

 

β = u / c = 

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

The simulation shows two light clocks. Each time a pulse of light travels a round trip across the clock, a single tick across the clock is counted.

1. Oserve the operation of the clocks when the clocks are at rest with respect to each other. With the value of &beta set to 0, click on the set value and play button.

2. When you set the value of &beta to .5, the green clock will move at .5 x the speed of light with respect to the stationary red clock.

Predict, which clock, if either, will have more clicks in the time it takes the upper clock to travel across the box.

3. Test your prediction. Set the value of beta to .5 and then click set value and play button. Resolve any discrepncies.

β = u / c = 

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

 

 

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Last Updated: August 21, 2009