Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigS
Is this because the plate and the stick motions are perpendicular to eachother?
If so, what if the motions were say, a little less than 90 degrees ?
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If the motions of the stick and the plate are not in parallel planes (any angle between the planes other than 0 or 180 degrees), then the plate will follow an obique path relative to the stick.
The angle of the path relative to the stick (or plate) is also a function of the velocities of the stick and plate.
For example in a stationary observer's frame of reference if the plate and stick are moving at the same velocity in perpendicular directions, then the plate will collide with the stick at a 45 degree angle in the stick's frame of reference.
Quote:
Would the hole ever appear to be elliptical ?
Cheers
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Lorentz contraction can only occur if the length of the body is parallel to the direction of motion.
In this condition the hole will be elliptical as it is being contracted in the one direction.
Regards
Steven