Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
The strikes are perceived as simultaneous
B
The strikes are perceived as occurring at different times
C
The strikes are perceived as occurring at the same time but with different intensity
D
The strikes are perceived as completely unrelated events
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
When a train is moving fast, a stationary observer sees two lightning strikes hit the ground at the same instant, but someone on the train does not. Because the train is moving, the observer on the train sees the strike that occurs ahead of the train first and the strike behind the train later; the two strikes are not simultaneous for the train rider. This happens because the speed of light is the same for all observers, so the moving train’s clocks “see” the light from the forward strike earlier than the light from the backward strike. For example, if the train moves east, the rider will notice the lightning that struck east of the train before the lightning that struck west. This situation is a textbook illustration of Einstein’s relativity of simultaneity, showing that simultaneity depends on the observer’s motion.
Detailed Explanation
The train’s motion changes the observer’s viewpoint. Other options are incorrect because Many think all observers see the same time; Intensity is governed by distance, not motion.
Key Concepts
Relativity of simultaneity
Frames of reference
Time dilation
Topic
Einstein's Theory of Relativity
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
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