Why is the time interval between the events in frame S larger than in frame S'?

In summary, using the equations x=gamma*(x'+vt') and t=gamma*(t'+vx'/c^2), it can be shown that in frame S, the time interval between two events that happen at the same point x'(0) in frame S' at t(1)' and t(2)' will be greater than t(2)'-t(1)' by a factor of gamma. This is because the time and position coordinates will be different in the two frames, causing a difference in the time interval.
  • #1
Benzoate
422
0

Homework Statement



Two events happen at the same point x'(0) in frame S' at t(1)' and t(2)'

a) Use equations x=gamma*(x'+vt') and t=gamma*(t'+vx'/c^2) to show in frame S the time interval between the events is greater than t(2)'-t(1)' by a factor of gamma

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



x=gamma*(x'+vt')
t=gamma*(t'+vx'/c^2)

t(2)=gamma*(t(2)'-vx'(2)/c^2) and t(1)=gamma*(t(1)'-vx'(1)/c^2)
x'(2)=x'(1)=x'(0)
t(2)-t(1)= gamma*(t'(2)-t'(1))-gamma*v/c^2(-v*x'(0)+v*x'(0))
t(2)-t(1)=gamma*(t(2)'-t'(1))

from the reference frame of S' the two events that were at the same reference point in the S prame with not be at the same reference point in the S' frame. hence, x'(1) will not equal x'(2)

t'(2)= gamma*(t(2)-v*x(2)/c^2)
t'(1)=gamma*(t(1)-v*x(2)/c^2)
t'(2)-t'(1)=gamma*(t(2)-t(1))-gamma*v/(c^2)*(x(2)-x(1))

hence , t(2)-t(1) is large than t'(2)-t'(1)
 
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  • #2
Benzoate said:

Homework Statement



Two events happen at the same point x'(0) in frame S' at t(1)' and t(2)'

a) Use equations x=gamma*(x'+vt') and t=gamma*(t'+vx'/c^2) to show in frame S the time interval between the events is greater than t(2)'-t(1)' by a factor of gamma

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



x=gamma*(x'+vt')
t=gamma*(t'+vx'/c^2)

t(2)=gamma*(t(2)'-vx'(2)/c^2) and t(1)=gamma*(t(1)'-vx'(1)/c^2)

Shouldn't you be using +vx'(2)/c^2 etc...

x'(2)=x'(1)=x'(0)
t(2)-t(1)= gamma*(t'(2)-t'(1))-gamma*v/c^2(-v*x'(0)+v*x'(0))
t(2)-t(1)=gamma*(t(2)'-t'(1))

You've proven your result above. I don't understand the purpose of the part below.

from the reference frame of S' the two events that were at the same reference point in the S prame with not be at the same reference point in the S' frame. hence, x'(1) will not equal x'(2)

t'(2)= gamma*(t(2)-v*x(2)/c^2)
t'(1)=gamma*(t(1)-v*x(2)/c^2)
t'(2)-t'(1)=gamma*(t(2)-t(1))-gamma*v/(c^2)*(x(2)-x(1))

hence , t(2)-t(1) is large than t'(2)-t'(1)
 
  • #3
by a factor of gamma

The time interval between events is relative and can be perceived differently depending on the reference frame. In frame S, the time interval between the events is greater because of the factor of gamma in the equations for time dilation. This factor takes into account the relative speed between the two frames and causes a difference in the perception of time. In frame S', the events may seem to occur closer together because the frame is moving at a different velocity compared to frame S. This difference in perception of time is a result of the theory of relativity and helps to explain the concept of time dilation.
 

1. Why is there a difference in the time interval between two events in different frames of reference?

The difference in the time interval between two events in different frames of reference is due to the relativity of time. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, time is not absolute and can vary depending on the observer's frame of reference.

2. How does the speed of an object affect the time interval between events in different frames?

The speed of an object has a significant impact on the time interval between events in different frames. As an object approaches the speed of light, time dilation occurs, which means that time appears to slow down for the moving object from the perspective of a stationary observer.

3. Why is the time interval between events in frame S larger than in frame S' when the frames are moving relative to each other?

This is due to the time dilation effect caused by the relative motion between the frames. As the frames move away from each other, time appears to slow down for the observer in one frame compared to the other.

4. Can the time interval between events in different frames ever be the same?

No, the time interval between events in different frames can never be the same. This is because time is not absolute, and the speed and motion of an object affect the perception of time for observers in different frames.

5. How does gravitational time dilation impact the time interval between events in different frames?

Gravitational time dilation is another factor that can affect the time interval between events in different frames. In the presence of a strong gravitational field, time appears to slow down, leading to a difference in the time interval between events in different frames.

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