Soumendra Nath Thakur
ORCiD: 0000-0003-1871-7803
08-06-2024
Abstract:
This study investigates the principles of classical and relativistic mechanics, exploring their applications through examples and analysing the differences in length contraction predictions. Classical mechanics concepts such as Newton's second law and Hooke's Law are discussed, alongside relativistic mechanics principles including the Lorentz factor. The study provides examples of both classical deformation and relativistic length contraction, demonstrating how these phenomena manifest at different velocities. By comparing the predicted length contractions, significant discrepancies are identified, particularly at higher velocities. Factors contributing to these differences, such as acceleration-related length deformation and the limitations of the Lorentz factor, are examined.
Keywords: classical mechanics, relativistic mechanics, length contraction, Lorentz factor, Newton's second law, Hooke's Law, velocity, acceleration,
Lorentz factor (γ):
The Lorentz factor (γ), introduced by Albert Einstein, quantifies the effects of special relativity on time, length, and relativistic mass for objects moving relative to an observer. It is defined by the equation γ = 1/√(1-v²/c²), where v is the velocity of the moving object and c is the speed of light. At rest (v=0), γ=1, indicating no time dilation or length contraction.
As velocities increase, the Lorentz factor approaches 1, indicating negligible relativistic effects. For example, at v=100 m/s, γ≈1.0000000000000556, and at v=1,000,000 m/s, γ≈1.0000055556. The Lorentz factor becomes significant when it exceeds 1.1, corresponding to velocities approaching 0.413 times the speed of light (41.3% of c), such as v=123,900,000 m/s.
Comparison between classical deformation and relativistic length contraction reveals significant discrepancies in relativistic predictions for length changes under similar conditions. Relativistic length contractions are notably smaller than their classical counterparts, as evidenced by the differences measured.
In classical mechanics:
1. The equation v = u + at relates the initial velocity (u), acceleration (a), time (t), and final velocity (v).
2. Newton's second law states F = ma, where force (F) is directly proportional to acceleration (a) and inversely proportional to mass (m).
3. Hooke's Law expresses the relationship between length deformation (ΔL) and applied force (F): F = k⋅ΔL, where k is the spring constant.
4. The spring constant (k) is calculated as k = F/ΔL, where F is the applied force and ΔL is the displacement.
Given an object with mass m = 10g and a spring constant k = 29979.2458N/m, initial velocity u = 0 m/s:
For velocities v=100m/s, v=1,000,000m/s, and v=123900000m/s, time (t) can be determined from (v−u) = 100m/s, yielding t = 1 second.
Using F = ma, forces (F) are calculated for each velocity. Then, ΔL is determined using ΔL = F/k.
The respective deformations (ΔL) for the given velocities are approximately:
• ΔL ≈ 3.34 × 10⁻⁵ m for v = 100 m/s
• ΔL ≈ 0.333 m for v = 1,000,000 m/s
• ΔL ≈ 41.32 m for v = 123,900,000 m/s
To find the total lengths after deformation, add these values to the original length of 1 meter:
• For v = 100 m/s: Total length ≈ 1 meter + 3.34 × 10⁻⁵ m
• For v = 1,000,000 m/s: Total length ≈ 1 meter + 0.333 m
• For v = 123,900,000 m/s: Total length ≈ 1 meter + 41.32 m
These total lengths represent the final lengths of the object after deformation.
Relativistic Mechanics Examples:
Given an object with a rest length (L⁰) of 1 meter and a rest mass of 10 grams (0.01 kg), initially at rest (v = 0 m/s), the object separates from the reference frame at t = 0 s and achieves velocities of 100 m/s, 1,000,000 m/s, and 123,900,000 m/s respectively.
To calculate the length contraction (ΔL) for each velocity using the Lorentz factor (γ), we employ the formula ΔL = γ⋅L⁰.
Using the speed of light (c ≈ 3 × 10⁸ m/s), we find:
1. For v = 100 m/s:
γ ≈ 1.0000000000000556
ΔL ≈ 1.0000000000000556 m
2. For v = 100,000 m/s:
γ ≈ 1.0000055556
ΔL ≈ 1.0000055556 m
3. For v = 123,900,000 m/s:
γ ≈ 1.1
ΔL ≈ 1.1 m
These values represent the change in length (contraction) relative to the observer due to the object's motion, with the original length L⁰ being 1 meter.
Comparison between Classical deformation and relativistic length contraction:
Comparison between classical deformation and relativistic length contraction reveals significant discrepancies in their predictions for length changes under similar conditions. Relativistic length contractions are notably smaller than their classical counterparts, as evidenced by the following differences:
At v = 100 m/s, the relativistic contraction is 0.000033399999444m smaller.
At v = 1,000,000 m/s, the relativistic contraction is 0.3329944444m smaller.
At v = 123,900,000 m/s, the relativistic contraction is 41.22 m smaller.
These differences arise due to several factors. Firstly, the relativistic Lorentz factor (γ) does not account for acceleration-related length deformation as the moving frame transitions from rest to the desired velocity. Additionally, it does not consider the stiffness of the material or the spring constant (k), leading to unaccounted changes in length.
Moreover, the applicability of the Lorentz factor is limited in everyday scenarios where speeds are well below the speed of light. Furthermore, the traditional application of γ·mc² is not suitable for processes involving speeds equal to or exceeding the speed of light, such as nuclear conversions of mass into energy. Therefore, the relativistic Lorentz factor is flawed and inferior to classical mechanics' interpretations of material deformation (ΔL).