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7.2 THE NATURE OF LIGHT
SPECIAL REALTIVITY P72 001 The diagram below shows two satellites, A and B in different
orbits about the Earth. Transmissions from each satellite are received simultaneously by an observer at a receiver station on
Earth. Is the observer justified in stating that the two satellites began
transmitting at the same instant of time? Explain your answer.
View solution below only after you have completed answering the question. The solution is not in a form that you would answer in an examination. The answers are often in more detail to help improve your appreciation and understanding of the physics. |
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Solution The speed of light is a constant and does not depend upon the relative motions of the Earth and the satellites. The electromagnetic wave transmission from satellite A has to travel a greater distance to the receiver station than the transmission from satellite B, therefore, the transmission from satellite A must occur before the transmission from B. An event that is simultaneous to one observer is not necessarily simultaneous to another observer. Simultaneity is a relative concept. |