Calculating Spatial Separation Using Lorentz Transforms: Homework Solution

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mugen Prospec
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Separation
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the spatial separation between two events that occur at the same location in one inertial frame, with a known time interval, and determining how this separation changes in another inertial frame with a different time interval. The context is rooted in the principles of special relativity and Lorentz transforms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about how to begin the problem, with some attempting to relate the problem to Lorentz transforms and the invariance of certain quantities. Questions arise regarding the relevance of the speed of light and the spacetime interval.

Discussion Status

The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to understand the problem and explore the relevant concepts. Some participants have suggested focusing on the spacetime interval as a key quantity, while others express a need for more guidance due to missed coursework. There is no clear consensus on a solution yet, but the conversation is progressing towards clarifying the underlying principles.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention missing classes, which may affect their understanding of the material. There is an emphasis on reviewing the relevant sections of the textbook regarding spacetime intervals.

Mugen Prospec
Messages
42
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Two events occur at the same place in a certain inertial frame and are separated by a time interval of 4 seconds. What is the spatial separation between these two events in an inertial frame in which the events are separated by a time interval of 6 seconds?

Homework Equations



Lorentz Transforms

The Attempt at a Solution



I really have no idea where to start. I know its not that hard I am just drawing a blank
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Mugen Prospec said:

Homework Statement



Two events occur at the same place in a certain inertial frame and are separated by a time interval of 4 seconds. What is the spatial separation between these two events in an inertial frame in which the events are separated by a time interval of 6 seconds?

Homework Equations



Lorentz Transforms

The Attempt at a Solution



I really have no idea where to start. I know its not that hard I am just drawing a blank

Hint: What quantity involving both time and position is invariant under Lorentz transforms?
 
I know the speed of light is invariant. The way I worked it was putting it through the Lorentz time transform solving for v. then put that v in the x Lorentz transform
 
Mugen Prospec said:
I know the speed of light is invariant. The way I worked it was putting it through the Lorentz time transform solving for v. then put that v in the x Lorentz transform

Sure, [itex]c[/itex] is Lorentz invariant, but it doesn't invole time or position, so that doesn't help. What about the spacetime interval [itex]\delta s^2[/itex]?
 
Could you give me maybe a walk through on how to find that or even the problem. I am really at a loss, I missed a week of classes because i was sick.
 
Mugen Prospec said:
Could you give me maybe a walk through on how to find that or even the problem. I am really at a loss, I missed a week of classes because i was sick.

I'm not here to teach a week of coursework. Read the section in your text that talks about spacetime intervals and then try the problem.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • · Replies 101 ·
4
Replies
101
Views
7K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K