Galilean Coordinate Transformation (Classical Relativity)

[pratikpatel]

Homework Statement

An observer in an inertial reference frame S sees two cameras flash simultaneously. The cameras are 800 m apart. He measures that the first flash occurs at four coordinates given by X1=0, Y1=0, Z1=0 and T1=0, and that the second flash occurs at four coordinates given by X2=800m, Y2=0, Z2=0 and T2=0.

a. If a second observer rides along in a reference frame S' traveling at a speed of 0.90c relative to S, use the Galilean Coordinate Transformation to calculate what he measures for the four coordinates for the first and second camera flashes (in reference frame S')?

b. According to the observer in S', how far apart are the camera flashes (X2' - X1')?

c. According to the observer in S', what is the time difference between the camera flashes (T2' - T1')?

d. According to the observer in S', are the camera flashes simultaneous? Explain.

Homework Equations

Galilean Coordinate Transformation Equations:

x' = x - vt
y' = y
z' = z
t' = t

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When I use the equations above, the values of x', y', z', and t' come up same as x, y, z, and t. Is that right? I am pretty sure I'm doing something wrong here.

 

[Doc Al]

When I use the equations above, the values of x', y', z', and t' come up same as x, y, z, and t. Is that right? I am pretty sure I'm doing something wrong here.

Looks right to me. (The values of x' and x are the same since t = 0.)