This is what I described and illustrated from the frame of reference of the train. Section C shows the railway ties closer together. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxxczzEYA5C5cXNmZU1aUXNTRFE/edit?usp=sharing
Harry On Fri, Mar 7, 2014 at 11:43 AM, David Roberson <[email protected]> wrote: > There has been a continuous discussion on the list about the reality of SR > time dilation and length contraction. Most of the commenters accept the > time dilation concept since it is relatively easy to measure. Some among > the group point out the paradox that they perceive as existing, but for now > I want divert attention to evidence of length contraction that seems highly > relevant. > > I found an article in Wikipedia about the free electron laser. There is a > technique for generating very high energy tunable x rays which strongly > depends upon the length contraction due to electron velocities near light > speed. The frequency and wavelength of the emitted radiation can be > directly calculated by using the Lorentz factor. Read the article found at > the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_electron_laser to > see how well the mathematics works. > > The process uses an alternating series of magnets that are clearly spaced > a large distance apart when compared to the the emitted wavelength of the > synchronous radiation. If you accept that the electrons are moving at very > nearly the speed of light, then the wavelength should be approximately > equal to the spacing between alternate magnets unless that distance is > effectively shortened by the Lorentz contraction as seen by the electrons > in motion. The shortening factor directly enters into the determination of > the radiation frequency. A radio wavelength structure of magnets is > employed to achieve an x-ray length emission due to Lorentz contraction. > > Harry, this might help to explain the behavior of your train on the track > questions. Think of the distance between the magnets as being similar to > the space between the rail ties. > > Dave > >
