Exam-style question
Try this first
Which of the following best illustrates that simultaneity is frame‑dependent?.
- A.Two clocks at rest in the same inertial frame reading the same time.
- B.Two events occurring at the same place in one frame but at different times in another.
- C.Two events occurring at different places in one frame but at the same time in another.
- D.Two events occurring at the same time in all inertial frames.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Two events occurring at different places in one frame but at the same time in another.
Explanation
Why this works
Formula/Rule: Relativity of simultaneity – simultaneity depends on the observer’s inertial frame. Substitution: events A and B at different positions.
Working: In one inertial frame they are simultaneous; in a frame moving relative to that one, the time ordering changes, so they are not simultaneous. Answer: Two events occurring at different places in one frame but at the same time in another.
Units/Conclusion: frame‑dependent simultaneity.
Common mistake
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