Exam-style question
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Which statement best describes the role of the constancy of the speed of light in the relativity of simultaneity?.
- A.It ensures that all observers measure the same time interval.
- B.It leads to time dilation but not to relativity of simultaneity.
- C.It couples space and time coordinates, causing different simultaneity.
- D.It allows clocks to be synchronized in all frames.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- It couples space and time coordinates, causing different simultaneity.
Explanation
Why this works
Cause: The postulate that light speed is invariant in all inertial frames. Mechanism: Invariance forces the Lorentz transformation to mix space and time, so the time coordinate depends on position.
Effect: Simultaneous events in one frame are not simultaneous in another. Consequence: Simultaneity becomes relative.
Common mistake
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