Determining absolute motion with momentum measurements

[geistkie]

Determining absolute motion with momentum measurements

Two inertial platforms move parallel and relative to each other – how do observers on each frame determine the absolute velocity of the other where the relative speed of the frames is V?

 

Each frame is equipped with momentum balls (mbs) having mottled surfaces. Along the length of each frame and facing each other is a lengthy strip of a flat mottled surface suitable for bouncing the mbs...

Frame R, moving right releases a few mbs perpendicular to the mottled surface on Frame L moving left relative to R.

There are three cases.

 

1. L is at absolute zero velocity wrt to R; hence R contributes all the velocity to the relative motion. The mbs bouncing from the side of L will maintain a position consistent with the momentum induced by the R motion. Observers on R see the mbs moving in a straight line wrt the point the mbs left the R frame. The mbs will effectively bounce up the trajectory used when moving to L, less some friction loss incurred by the bounce. If the L frame were actually moving the mbs motion induced by the momentum component transferred from L can be measured and calibrated, hence each frame can determine the absolute motion of the other.

 

2. R is at absolute zero velocity. The mbs trajectory is seen the same as in 1. Above. When the mbs bounce will be directed to move in the direction of the induced momentum, towards the left.

 

3. Both frames have absolute motion moving at the same absolute speed, the momentum would be shared equally by the R and L frame where the loss in speed wrt the R speed is measured. Ditto for L.

If Vr > VL then the changes in speed relative to each can be measured.

The system requires a calibrated system capable of measuring angles and relative speeds – no big deal.

Edited May 17, 2009 by mooeypoo

[mooeypoo]

Determining absolute motion with momentum measurements

Two inertial platforms move parallel and relative to each other – how do observers on each frame determine the absolute velocity of the other where the relative speed of the frames is V?

If both frames move at the same speed and parallel to one another, they're at the same frame........

 

that is, each person on their own "frame" will see the other one stationary relative to himself. As if they share the same frame, which they do, because they move parallel to one another and in the same velocity.

 

Unless I'm missing something here, I don't see why you would need to use momentum here at all.

 

~moo

[swansont]

"Absolute" momentum or velocity cannot be measured.

 

You are geistkiesel, right?