How Things Work: A Brief History of Reality
BOOK II: The Power of Three (#59. "Length Contraction")
Be A Part of the Conversation!
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
"The essence of my theory is precisely that no independent properties are attributed to space on its own. It can be put jokingly this way. If I allow all things to vanish from the world, then following Newton, the Galilean inertial space remains; following my interpretation, however, nothing remains..."
Letter from A.Einstein to Karl Schwarzschild (Berlin, 9 January 1916)
PREFACE
“Time and space are not conditions of existence, time and space is a model for thinking.”
– Albert Einstein
Unlike time, which had always had a somewhat subjective quality to it, the solid certainty of space and matter was a more difficult truth to abandon. Real solid objects that maintain their objectivity and integrity in the empirical physical world of existence had been the bedrock foundation of modern science since Descartes. However, with Einstein’s new insights into the relative nature of time and space we were back to doubting our own empirical perceptions about reality.
“Reality wasn’t as Descartes had described it.”
Time wasn’t linear. Matter wasn’t solid. The dimension of space was in fact extremely malleable. Reality wasn’t as Descartes had described it. Einstein’s reality was different.
The empirical difference between Descartes’ measurable “body” and Einstein’s new interpretation of “matter” can be demonstrated through the spatial aberration called Length Contraction. According to Einstein, the “objective” measurable dimensions of matter “changes” as the speed of an object is increased. Essentially, the “size” of an object changes as it travels closer to the speed of light. Which means its “objective measurement” changes. Descartes’ fundamental prerequisite for a “tangible” physical reality was no longer applicable in Einstein’s universe.
CONSIDERATION #59 – Length Contraction
“Formerly, people thought that if matter disappeared from the universe, space and time would remain. Relativity declares that space and time would disappear with matter.”
– Albert Einstein
Length Contraction
Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity not only found that time was relative, but also that distance, or space, was relative. This makes sense if we think of space and time as being a part of one “space-time” entity; if time is influenced by speed, then space must adjust, or change, to accommodate the change in time or the continuity of reality would fall apart. Therefore, as an object’s speed increases, the object becomes “shorter” relative to its length at rest. This is how electrons becomes “smaller” than photons when beamed at high energy levels in electron microscopes.
“…the 12-inch ruler that you use in your math class would not look 12-inches long if it were moving past you, at close to the speed of light.”
One of the consequences of Einstein's theory of Special Relativity is called Length Contraction. This means that the 12-inch ruler that you use in your math class would not look 12-inches long if it were moving past you, at close to the speed of light. So which length is correct?
We define the "proper length" of an object as the length measured when that object is measured at rest. The length at which you would measure an object when it is in motion is always less, but it has to move really fast before you can even begin to see the effects of length contraction! The ruler would appear to shrink the faster it moves, but only in the direction of motion that it is traveling. Finally, when it is traveling at the speed of light, it would appear to have no length.
– Witnessing the Effects of Length Contraction – American Museum of Natural History (Part of the Einstein Exhibition)
Like time, space is relative to an observer based on the location of the observer and the speed of the object in motion. Although counter-intuitive, and somewhat complicated, to maintain the speed of light under all circumstances, time and space must adapt when necessary. The relativity of time and space allow the speed of light to move at a constant 186,282 miles per second under any condition or circumstance, by allowing the once certain and absolute qualities of time and space to be less certain and absolute when necessary.
POSTSCRIPT
Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity alters our perception of space and time. It also changes our understanding of matter and energy. His work with photons began a process that would become a critical aspect of Special Relativity: a mathematical expression of how matter and energy are essentially just different forms, or expressions, of the same entity. A unification of particle and wave.
Next week we will begin a Special Holiday Series considering the history and traditions of what we call “The Holiday Season,” beginning with The Festival Lights, commonly known as the Jewish Holiday of Hanukkah.
Expand the Conversation by Upgrading to “Reality by a Thread!”
Excerpt from Tomorrow’s FREE SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION of Untangling the Knots of Reality – Podcast #25: “It’s A Wonderful Podcast: Untangling the Influence of Cause & Effect"
This Two-Part Holiday Podcast is my gift to All Subscribers – Happy Holidays Everybody! Look for it in your mailbox tomorrow…
This Week on “The Thread”:
•Untangling the Knots of Reality FREE SPECIAL HOLIDAY PODCAST – Part One: “It’s A Wonderful Podcast: Untangling the Influence of Cause & Effect” (“Unlike any other movie I have ever seen, It’s A Wonderful Life demonstrates the nature of free-will through cause and effect in a way that is real, personal, and immensely inspiring. At some point, everyone questions the meaning of their life. Do I make a difference in the world? Is there a good reason for doing the “right” thing and making the “right” choices? It’s A Wonderful Life answers each of these questions directly and sincerely.
As we follow one average human being through their life choices, we, along with him, learn many crucial lessons about cause and effect. Namely, that our choices really do matter and make a difference; even the seemingly “simple” and “meaningless” ones…” )
•Reality by a Thread (Discussion Thread): Preview of Book V – “The Arch of Human Consciousness & Awareness: The Essence of Quantum Consciousness” (“Rational Quantum Consciousness recognizes and utilizes pure unlimited potentiality to understand the perfection of reality, and being, resulting in a “rational experience” called “faith” or “trust” in the overall manifestation of Reality; everything is as it should be. It reinforces our concept, or idea, that the universe is “rational,” once we can “intuit” and “rationally experience” the “big picture...”)
•FREE PDF Download of Book IV: “The Cosmic Symphony – Overtones of String Theory” and my New Substack Book “Untangling Eastern & Western Dualism” plus other discounts and benefits.
UPGRADE NOW!
Simple, Unique, and Inexpensive Holiday Gift Ideas from “HOW THINGS WORK!”
Give unique and thoughtful gifts that your friends and family will not forget by New Year’s Eve!
GIFTS UNDER $10: PDF Downloads of my books make an excellent “last minute” holiday gift, particularly for those living far away. PDF files can be shared on a flash-drive or emailed instantly anywhere. And no postage!
Click for PDF Downloads from BooksNotOnAmazon.com
GIFTS UNDER $20: Deluxe Print Editions of my books make great gifts for your most unique friends and family members. However, printed books must be processed, packaged and shipped, so order early for the Holidays. There’s a lot of “supply-chain” issues this year!
Click for Deluxe Print Editions from Blurb.com
New & Now Available! – CLICK IMAGE to learn more…
Use Promo-Code “FNUKR-20” For 20% Off PDF Download!
FREE PDF Download for “Reality by A Thread” Paid Subscribers!
Print Editions Also Available! (No promo-code)
