Finding t and x in terms of proper time?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the time and position of a particle undergoing uniform acceleration, defined by a constant acceleration \( a = g \). The participant has formulated the four-vector inner product \( a.a = g^2 \) and is attempting to relate the acceleration in the fixed inertial frame to that in the instantaneous rest frame. Key equations include the four-velocities \( u.u = 1 \) and \( a.u = 0 \), which are essential for understanding the relationship between the particle's motion and its proper time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of four-vectors in special relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of proper time
  • Knowledge of Lorentz transformations
  • Basic principles of uniform acceleration in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of four-acceleration in special relativity
  • Learn about the implications of invariant quantities in relativistic physics
  • Explore the concept of instantaneous rest frames and their significance
  • Investigate the relationship between proper time and coordinate time in accelerated frames
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying special relativity, as well as educators and researchers focusing on relativistic motion and acceleration concepts.

Physicsphysics
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Homework Statement
A particle is moving along x, uniformly accelerated at a=g=constant.
(a) find x and t as a function of proper time (provided at t=0, x=0 and v=0)
Hint: (now a and u are 4-vectors) consider u and a. What are a.a, u.u and a.u? Use these to find the particle's 4-velocity and integrate to find position.
Relevant Equations
Still 4-velocities
u.u=1
a.u=0
u=(γ,γv)
a=(γ[SUP]4[/SUP]v.a, γ[SUP]2[/SUP]a + γ[SUP]4[/SUP](v.a)v)
On the right hand side, v and a are three vectors
I tried finding a.a (four vector inner product) and I got to γ4{(v.a)2(1-γ4v.v - 2γ2) - a.a}, where again a and v are three vectors on the rhs (sorry to be confusing). a.a = g2 since it's a constant.

I have no idea where to go from here to find the time and position. Please help!
 
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Physicsphysics said:
Homework Statement:: A particle is moving along x, uniformly accelerated at a=g=constant.
By"uniformly accelerated", I suspect that they mean that ##a^1 = g## in the instantaneous rest frame of the particle. So, if you were to move with the particle you would always experience ##1 g## of acceleration.

Relevant Equations:: Still 4-velocities
u.u=1
a.u=0
u=(γ,γv)
a=(γ4v.a, γ2a + γ4(v.a)v)
Instead of the last equation, you can use the fact that a.a is an invariant. Thus, a.a in the fixed inertial frame must equal a.a in the instantaneous rest frame of the particle. This allows you to relate ##a^0## and ##a^1## in the fixed frame.
 

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