Principle of relativity

Therefore, the identical nature of particles J and K is crucial in maintaining the principle of relativity.
  • #1
cleggy
29
0
1.

I'm asked to apply the principle of relativity in Newtonian physics to show that particle L cannot leave the 3-axis and to explain why the identical nature of particles J and K is crucial.

2.

An isolated system consists of 3 particles J, K and L

J and K have mass m and are identical. L has mass M.

In an inertial frame P the initial positions and velocities are :

For J : x(0)= (-3,4,0) v(0)= (0,2,-1)

For K : x(0)= (3,-4,0) v(0)= (0,-2,-1)

For L : x(0)= (0,0,4) v(0)= (0,0,2)

In an inertial frame P' the initial positions and velocities are :

For J : x(0)= (3,-4,0) v(0)= (0,-2,-1)

For K : x(0)= (-3,4,0) v(0)= (0,2,-1)

For L : x(0)= (0,0,4) v(0)= (0,0,2)


3. The Attempt at a Solution

I'm not sure where to start. Does it hace anything to do with if L leaves the 3-axis then P and P' will be able to tell their reference frames apart from one another?
 
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  • #2
The principle of relativity states that all inertial frames are equivalent, meaning that the laws of physics are the same regardless of which frame you are in. As such, it follows that particle L cannot leave the 3-axis, as this would mean that one frame is different from the other. The identical nature of particles J and K is crucial because it ensures that both frames are equivalent. If they were not identical, then the two frames would be different, and particle L could leave the 3-axis. This is because the initial positions and velocities of the particles will be different in each frame, resulting in different trajectories for each particle in each frame.
 

1. What is the Principle of Relativity?

The Principle of Relativity, also known as the Theory of Relativity, is a fundamental principle in physics that states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion. This means that the laws of physics do not depend on the observer's frame of reference or their relative motion.

2. Who developed the Principle of Relativity?

The Principle of Relativity was first introduced by Albert Einstein in his paper "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies" published in 1905. He later expanded on this principle in his theory of General Relativity in 1915.

3. How does the Principle of Relativity apply to time and space?

The Principle of Relativity states that time and space are relative and can be affected by an observer's frame of reference and their relative motion. This means that time and space can appear different for different observers, depending on their perspective.

4. Can the Principle of Relativity be applied to all physical phenomena?

Yes, the Principle of Relativity can be applied to all physical phenomena, including mechanics, electromagnetism, and gravity. It is a fundamental principle that helps us understand the laws of the universe.

5. What are the implications of the Principle of Relativity?

The Principle of Relativity has many implications, including the famous equation E=mc², which relates mass and energy. It also explains the phenomenon of time dilation and length contraction, and it has led to advancements in fields such as astrophysics and cosmology.

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