Special Relativity

This simulation examines the concept that time is relative. Two identical spaceships are carrying light clocks. On the top spaceship an astronaut traveling along with the light clock measures the distance a photon covers while moving from the floor to the ceiling. For the second ship an astronaut outside the ship measures the same distance.

Directions

Set the speed of the two ships using the slider at the bottom. This is the speed relative to the astronaut at the bottom of the simulation.

The time is calculated assuming the speed of light is constant for all observers.

MDole 5/7/2008