Confused on how to set up my S and S' frames for Lorentz Transformation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a problem involving Lorentz transformations related to two lights flashing at different times and positions. The key confusion arises from understanding the relationship between the observer's frame and the rest frames of the lights. It is suggested that since both lights flash at the same location in the moving observer's frame, this can simplify the application of Lorentz transformations. The velocity-addition formula is deemed unnecessary for this scenario, as the observer's frame is identified as the primed frame. Clarifying these points can help resolve the confusion and facilitate the correct application of the Lorentz transformation.
cubano07
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1. The question states: "Two lights are placed along the x-axis at positions x1 = 3.00 m and x2 = 5.00 m. The lights flash at times t1 = 1.00 ns and t2 = 9.00 ns. An observer in a rest frame moving to the right sees the lights flash in the same location. Assume that the origins of the two rest frames coincide at t = t' = 0.

a) Find the speed of the observer.

b) Find the time between the flashes as seen by the moving observer.2. It says that as a hint, to think Lorentz Transformations.3. Here is where I am stuck, I have no idea how to even begin it, since I do not know whether the observer and the S' frame are both moving together, and since Ux' = Ux - v/(1-Uxv/c2) would be the speed of the observer, I do not know what Ux or v could be.

I have also tried applying a Lorentz transformation on the x positions and times and such, but my gut tells me that's dead wrong anyway. If anyone can help shine some light on this situation (pardon the pun) it would really help me a lot. Thanks
 
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If both lights are supposed to flash at the same x-location in the primed coordinate system, can't you use that to deduce something about the Lorentz transformation that connects the two frames?
 
You're making it too complicated. There's no need for the velocity-addition formula. The rest frame of the observer is the primed frame.
 
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