Introduction to Classical Mechanics · Problem 11.3

Relativity (Kinematics) — Morin

Physics — Mechanics · explaining-length-contraction

Problem

Two bombs lie on a train platform, a distance LL apart. As a train passes by at speed vv, the bombs explode simultaneously (in the platform frame) and leave marks on the train. Due to the length contraction of the train, we know that the marks on the train are a distance γL\gamma L apart when viewed in the train's frame, because this distance is what is length-contracted down to the given distance LL in the platform frame. How would someone on the train quantitatively explain why the marks are a distance γL\gamma L apart, considering that the bombs are a distance of only L/γL/\gamma apart in the train frame?

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