Velocity in Inertial Frames: Lorentz Dilation and Contraction

In summary, the conversation discusses Lorentz dilation and contractions for special relativity. The formula for dilation is given as \grave{l}=l\gamma and \grave{t}=\frac{t}{\gamma}. However, the velocity in the unprimed and primed systems do not match, causing confusion. The expert clarifies that one of the frames is at rest and the velocity in that frame is 0. The concept of length contraction and time dilation are also explained.
  • #1
storm4438
7
0
i was looking at the lorentz dilation and contractions for SR. My books says they are [itex]\grave{l}[/itex]=l[itex]\gamma[/itex] and that [itex]\grave{t}[/itex]=[itex]\frac{t}{\gamma}[/itex] .what i don't understand is that the velocity in the unprimed system is then [itex]\frac{l}{t}[/itex] but in the primed system its [itex]\frac{l\gamma^{2}}{t}[/itex] which is not equal to the value in the unprimed system. Shouldnt the velocity in the two frames be the same?
 
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  • #2
No, one of the frames is the frame in which the object is at rest. Its velocity in that frame, then, is 0.
 
  • #3
This is probably the most common mistake I've seen with SR...

The length contraction observed is when the both sides of the object are observed at the same instant in time. Time dilation is measured at the same points in space from two different frames. They in no way represent the distance an object is moving over any time.
 

1. What is the concept of velocity in inertial frames?

The concept of velocity in inertial frames refers to the measurement of an object's speed and direction in relation to a frame of reference that is not accelerating. Inertial frames are frames of reference that are not affected by external forces, and the laws of physics remain consistent within them.

2. What is Lorentz dilation?

Lorentz dilation is a phenomenon in which the length of an object appears to increase when it is moving at high velocities relative to an observer. This concept is a part of Einstein's theory of special relativity and is based on the idea that time is relative and can be dilated or contracted depending on the relative velocity between two objects.

3. How does Lorentz dilation affect time?

Lorentz dilation states that time appears to slow down for an object in motion when observed from a stationary frame of reference. This means that an object moving at high velocities will experience time at a slower rate than a stationary observer, which is known as time dilation. This effect has been proven through various experiments, including the famous Twin Paradox.

4. What is Lorentz contraction?

Lorentz contraction is a phenomenon in which the length of an object appears to decrease when it is moving at high velocities relative to an observer. This is a direct result of Lorentz dilation, as the slowing of time causes objects to appear shorter in the direction of motion. This effect has also been experimentally proven and is a fundamental concept in special relativity.

5. How does Lorentz contraction affect our perception of space?

Lorentz contraction suggests that our perception of space is not absolute and can be affected by an object's velocity. This means that an object in motion will appear shorter in the direction of its motion, which can lead to distortions in our perception of distance and size. This effect is only noticeable at very high velocities, but it is an important concept in understanding the nature of space and time.

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