Suppose observer B in Figure 14.18 carries a unit of two synchronized clocks that is identical to the unit that is at rest relative to A. Observer B begins speeding up when the clocks in her reference frame read 3 o'clock. What happens to the length of B's unit according to observer A?

Transcribed Image Text:

Figure 14.18 Length contraction of an accelerating grid. (a) Reference frame of observer A Observer A sees clocks synchronized. TAB At 3:00, A sees B begin accelerating. (b) Reference frame of observer B Grid moves relative to B, so clocks not synchronized. Trailing clock shows later time. THAI BA VAB B A B Trailing clock starts accelerating when it strikes 3:00. B BAS UBAJ Leading clock starts accelerating when it strikes 3:00. B Because trailing clock accelerates first, B sees grid unit shortened.