Question

Suppose there are two seeds kept at equal distance from a light source which emits a photon each on either directions. Seed germinates when a photon falls on it. According to rest frame both the seeds receive photons simultaneously but according to moving frame one of the seeds receive a photon earlier than the other seed. The second seed dies off due to delay, so there is only one plant in the moving frame but two plants in the rest frame. Is my line of reasoning correct? What happens when I bring the moving observer to rest so that he should agree with whatever observations made by the observer who was at rest?

Options:
A) Yes, the line of reasoning is correct. Bringing the moving observer to rest will confirm the observations made by the observer at rest.
B) No, the line of reasoning is incorrect. Both seeds will germinate simultaneously in both frames of reference.
C) It depends on various other factors and cannot be conclusively determined without more information.
D) The line of reasoning is partly correct. Bringing the moving observer to rest might or might not align with the observations made by the observer at rest.

Answer 1

The concept of simultaneity in Special Relativity means two events may appear simultaneous in one frame but not in another. However, physical events like seed germination remain consistent across frames, and bringing an observer to rest does not change events that have already taken place.

Step-by-step explanation:

The line of reasoning provided by the student mixes the concepts of simultaneity and the consequences of Special Relativity, and as such, it is not entirely correct. According to the principles of Special Relativity, the concept of simultaneity is relative, meaning that two events that appear simultaneous in one frame of reference may not appear simultaneous in another, moving frame of reference. This difference in perception is due to the finite and invariant speed of light in all inertial reference frames.

Therefore, option B would be the correct answer to the question, as both seeds will germinate simultaneously in both frames of reference. This is because the physical event of the seeds germinating doesn't change just because the frames of reference are in different states of motion. Bringing a moving observer to rest does not change the past events that have already occurred; both seeds have already germinated and both plants exist.