Question

One of the most important consequences of special relativity is that simultaneity is relative. What does it mean simultaneity is relative? Choose the correct explanation below.

A. Events that appear simultaneous to one observer may not appear simultaneous to another moving observer.
B. Simultaneity is an absolute concept in special relativity.
C. Simultaneity depends only on the spatial separation of events.
D. Time dilation affects the concept of simultaneity uniformly for all observers.

Answer 1

Simultaneity being relative means two events that are simultaneous for one observer may not be for another due to the effects of time dilation in special relativity. Option A is the correct explanation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept that simultaneity is relative in special relativity can be explained as follows: If two events are observed to occur at the same time by one observer, they might not be seen as simultaneous by another observer in motion relative to the first. This is because time dilation, a key effect in special relativity, implies that the passage of time can vary between observers moving at different velocities. Therefore, the correct explanation is A. Events that appear simultaneous to one observer may not appear simultaneous to another moving observer.