Two ways of detecting absolute motion

In summary: The first method is unworkable because the speed of light is the same in any reference frame. That means that if you measure the speed of an object using two different reference frames, the two measurements will always be the same.
  • #1
avito009
184
4
There are two ways by which absolute motion might be detected: by measuring motion with respect to a beam of light, and by making use of inertial effects that arise when an object is accelerated. So why MichelsonMorley experiment showed the first method to be unworkable? Einstein's special theory of relativity explained why.

Correct me if I am wrong. Special relativity proved that no matter the position or speed with which a person is moving, the speed of light will be the same. Is this correct? otherwise how does SR prove that the first method is unworkable?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Absolute motion relative to what? That's not a joke; all motion is relative.
 
  • #3
Special relativity didn't prove that the speed of light is the same, it started with the assumption (Einstein's second postulate) that it was.

We choose to make this assumption because:
- It agrees with all the experimental evidence we have (including the Michelson-Morley experiment).
- It is consistent with the laws of electricity and magnetism, which were solidly established more than a half-century before the discovery of relativity.
- The conclusions that follow from that assumption can be tested, and when we test them they are confirmed.

That doesn't mean that it's right, but it does mean that any alternative that doesn't do all of the above has to be wrong.
 
  • Like
Likes PeroK
  • #4
avito009 said:
There are two ways by which absolute motion might be detected: by measuring motion with respect to a beam of light, and by making use of inertial effects that arise when an object is accelerated.
You can't use acceleration detect absolute motion because per Newton's first and second Laws of Motion, acceleration works the same regardless of your current state of motion.
 
  • #5
avito009 said:
There are two ways by which absolute motion might be detected: by measuring motion with respect to a beam of light, and by making use of inertial effects that arise when an object is accelerated. So why MichelsonMorley experiment showed the first method to be unworkable? Einstein's special theory of relativity explained why.

Correct me if I am wrong. Special relativity proved that no matter the position or speed with which a person is moving, the speed of light will be the same. Is this correct? otherwise how does SR prove that the first method is unworkable?

Since the speed of light is the same in any reference frame measuring your speed using it as a reference will always produce: ta-da, the speed of light.
 

Related to Two ways of detecting absolute motion

1. What is the difference between absolute and relative motion?

Absolute motion is the movement of an object in relation to an unmoving, fixed reference point, such as the Earth's surface. Relative motion, on the other hand, is the movement of an object in relation to another moving object.

2. How can we detect absolute motion?

There are two main ways to detect absolute motion: using an external reference frame, such as the Earth's surface or the stars, or using an internal reference frame, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope.

3. What is the principle behind using an external reference frame to detect absolute motion?

The principle is based on the fact that the Earth is constantly rotating and orbiting the sun, providing a fixed reference point for measuring absolute motion. By observing the movement of objects in relation to this fixed reference point, we can determine their absolute motion.

4. How do accelerometers and gyroscopes work to detect absolute motion?

Accelerometers measure changes in acceleration, which can then be used to calculate absolute motion. Gyroscopes, on the other hand, measure changes in orientation and can also be used to determine absolute motion.

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method of detecting absolute motion?

The advantage of using an external reference frame is that it is a more accurate and precise method. However, it may not be feasible in all situations, such as when traveling in space. Internal reference frames, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, are more portable and can be used in various environments, but they may be less accurate and susceptible to errors.

Similar threads

Is Mach's Principle truly a paradox in rotational frames?
    • Mechanics
Replies
2
Views
762
I Is Simultaneity Absolute or Relative in the Theory of Relativity?
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
Two-body equation of motion resolution
    • Mechanics
Replies
7
Views
1K
What happens when a car turns?
    • Mechanics
Replies
16
Views
1K
B The synchronization of clocks and the relativity of motion
    • Special and General Relativity
3
Replies
84
Views
4K
B Is Mach's Principle the Key to Understanding Rotatory Motion?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
6
Views
1K
B How are 'fringe shifts' in the Michelson-Morley experiment calculated?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
9
Views
988
I Clock Synchronisation -- Do clock speeds go out of synch?
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
59
Views
2K
I Why Lagrangian includes 1/2m by Landau?
    • Mechanics
Replies
24
Views
1K
I Understanding Michelson Morley Experiment
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top