If stationary observers measure the shape of a pass - ing object to be exactly circular, what is the shape of the object when viewed face-on by observers on board the object, traveling with it?

Question

Physics

Francisco Hicks

14 August, 06:00

If stationary observers measure the shape of a pass - ing object to be exactly circular, what is the shape of the object when viewed face-on by observers on board the object, traveling with it?

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Answers (1)

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Jaqueline Sloan · Answer 1

A moving object appears contracted to a stationary observer. So an object that appears to be exactly circular is not actually circular in shape but is elliptical, which when moves appear circular because of length contraction.

Explanation:

The object is measured by determining the dimensions and angles of the object. The angles of the object can be measured using a protractor and dimensions can be measured using a ruler.

A high speed electrical object appears to be perfectly spherical if the object is straggling traveling along the long axis off the elliptical shape.

Length of the box is considered as the longest side of the box. Always length should be measured first.