Distance between two events w.r.t. two frames

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around understanding the distance between two events in different frames of reference, specifically the Earth frame and a train frame. In the Earth frame, the distance between events is calculated as 242 meters, while in the train frame, it is 0 meters since the train is considered stationary. The confusion arises regarding the perception of acceleration by a person on the train, who might believe the train is accelerating despite it being a non-inertial frame. It is clarified that while an accelerometer on the train would indicate non-zero acceleration, this reading is consistent across all frames, and the train's definition as stationary negates any perceived acceleration. Ultimately, the conclusion about acceleration is reached through the definitions of inertial and non-inertial frames.
Pushoam
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Distance between events w.r.t. Earth frame,

De = | (1/2)w(t+Γ)2 - 350 - (1/2)wt2 | = 242 m

Distance between events w.r.t. train frame,
Dt =350 m , correct?
As w.r.t. train frame , the train is not moving.

But, a person on the train will observe that the train is accelerating.
But , if the train is not moving, then how will this person observe that the train is accelerating. Here , I am doing some mistake. Please help me.W.r.t. Earth's frame, the two events occur at (x1,t1) and (x2,t2)
such that x1 - x2= 242 m
and t2 - t1 = 60 s

At t = 0 s, origin of both K's and Earth's frames meet each other.
W.r.t. K's frame, the two events occur at (x'1,t1) and (x'2,t2)
such that x'1 - x'2= 0 m
and t2 - t1 = 60 s
x'1 - x'2= 0 m = x1 - Vt1 - x2 + Vt2

x1 - x2 = - V( t2 - t1 )

V = 242/60 = 4.0 m/s
 
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Pushoam said:
But, a person on the train will observe that the train is accelerating.
No it will not. The train frame is a non-inertial frame.
 
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Orodruin said:
No it will not. The train frame is a non-inertial frame.

How can I,too, reach to this conclusion?
If a person sitting in an accelerating train wants to measure the acceleration of the train, won't he measure the acceleration to be nonzero?
 
Orodruin said:
No it will not. The train frame is a non-inertial frame.

How can I,too, reach to this conclusion?
If a person sitting in an accelerating train wants to measure the acceleration of the train, won't he measure the acceleration to be nonzero?
 
Pushoam said:
How can I,too, reach to this conclusion?
If a person sitting in an accelerating train wants to measure the acceleration of the train, won't he measure the acceleration to be nonzero?
This depends on what you mean by "measuring the acceleration". An accelerometer will give you a non-zero value, but it will read the same in all frames. By definition of the train frame, the train is stationary in that frame and therefore not accelerating.
 
Orodruin said:
An accelerometer will give you a non-zero value, but it will read the same in all frames.
Does "all" imply both inertial and non-inertial frames?
Orodruin said:
By definition of the train frame, the train is stationary in that frame and therefore not accelerating.
So, we reach to that conclusion by definition.
 
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