Are Lorentz transformations consistent with different reference frames?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Lorentz transformations in the context of special relativity, specifically examining the consistency of these transformations across different reference frames. Participants are analyzing equations related to time and space coordinates as observed from different frames.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the derivation of terms in the Lorentz transformation equations, questioning the origin of specific coefficients. There is an attempt to apply the transformations to specific events and verify the results against known principles, such as length contraction.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and checking each other's calculations. Some express uncertainty about their results and seek clarification on the consistency of the x-coordinates for different events. There is recognition of potential arithmetic errors, but no consensus has been reached regarding the correctness of the transformed coordinates.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific values for velocity and coordinates, and there is an acknowledgment of the need for additional information to fully resolve questions about the reference frames. The discussion reflects the constraints of homework rules and the complexity of applying Lorentz transformations accurately.

toph
Messages
19
Reaction score
0
Question
Show that, with V = 4/5c, the Lorentz transformation of the equations, t^prime = y(V) (t-(v/c^2)x) and x^prime = y(V) (x-Vt). (where y(V) = the Lorentz factor).

can be written as

ct^prime = 5/3ct - 4/3x

and

x^prime = 5/3x - 4/3ct
Relevant equations
y(V) = 1/(sqrt1-(V/c)^2)
The attempt at a solution
I have calculated y(V) = 5/3 (if V = 4/5c)
and i can see how the left hand term in each equation becomes 5/3ct and 5/3x respectivley. But i can't figure where the 4/3 term comes from?? or how to derive it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The second term on the RHS in both equations contain a 'v', right?
 
[tex]\left( \frac{5}{3} \right) \left( \frac{4}{5} \right) = \frac{4}{3}.[/tex]
 
Ahh... the penny drops. thank you
 
A further Lorentz transformation problem.

The question i have is.

Use these Lorentz transformations ct'=5/3ct-4/3x and x'=5/3x-4/3ct. to determine the (ct', x') coordinates, in meters, that observer O' assigns to events e1 and e2.

relevant equations and information.

from a previous question i have determined the coordinates of the events in the rest frame of observer O to be e1 = (0, 240)m, e2 = (60, 240)m.

My attempt at answer

Using the given Lorentz transformations i have found for event e1 as observed by O' is.

e1 = (ct', x') = (5/3ct-4/3x, 5/3x-4/3ct) = (-180, 144)m
e2 = (ct', x') = (5/3ct-4/3x, 5/3x-4/3ct) = (-144, 99) m

However i feel uncomfortable with these answers, but cannot put my finger on why? Please can some one check my results?

thank you
 
Further to my last post, the reason i feel uncomfortable is that surely the x component of the coordinates should be the same for both events? I can check this via the Lorentz length contraction formula, which gives l = lo/y(V) =144?
 
It seems to be errors in arithmetic to me.

toph said:
Further to my last post, the reason i feel uncomfortable is that surely the x component of the coordinates should be the same for both events? I can check this via the Lorentz length contraction formula, which gives l = lo/y(V) =144?

Surely, then, both observers must be referring to the same reference frame.
 
neutrino said:
It seems to be errors in arithmetic to me.
Surely, then, both observers must be referring to the same reference frame.

yep your right i have just spotted my error. i think i have also calculated the transformed event coordinations incorrectly as well?
 
Last edited:
neutrino said:
Surely, then, both observers must be referring to the same reference frame.
Sorry about my previous post. I misread your statement, and gave a stupid reply (eyes can play tricks on you late at night!). I really cannot say whether the x coordinates of the two events in the O frame are the same or not, unless I have more information. But if you have managed to find you errors in spite of my comment, then well and good.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 101 ·
4
Replies
101
Views
7K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K