How Do Forces Transform Between Different Reference Frames in Physics?

In summary, in the rest frame, a point mass has a force on it (F). When moving in the +x direction (F'), the forces can be related using four vectors, with $\vec{f}=\frac{dp}{d\tau}=\Gamma(\frac{dp_{x}}{dt},\frac{dp_{y}}{dt},\frac{dp_{z}}{dx},\frac{dE}{dt} \frac{1}{c})=(f_{x},f_{y},f_{z},\frac{dE}{dt} \frac{1}{c})$ and $\vec{f'}=\frac{dp'}{d\tau}=\gamma(f'_{
  • #1
sspitz
21
0
A point mass has a force on it in its rest frame (F). Now go to a frame moving in the +x direction (F'). EM book claims the forces can be related like this:
[tex]
f'_{x'}=f_{x}\\f'_{y'}=\frac{f_{y}}{\gamma}\\f'_{z'}=\frac{f_{z}}{\gamma}
[/tex]
I would like to be able to see this with four vectors, but am having trouble. Four vectors have arrows. Tau is proper time.
[tex]
\vec{f}=\frac{dp}{d\tau}=\Gamma(\frac{dp_{x}}{dt},\frac{dp_{y}}{dt},\frac{dp_{z}}{dx},\frac{dE}{dt} \frac{1}{c})=(f_{x},f_{y},f_{z},\frac{dE}{dt} \frac{1}{c})\\
\vec{f'}=\frac{dp'}{d\tau}=\gamma(f'_{x'},f'_{y'},f'_{z'},\frac{dE}{dt'} \frac{1}{c})
[/tex]
In this case, big gamma=1 because there is no velocity in the rest frame at the time of interest.
Transform
[tex]
\vec{f'}=(\gamma f_{x} - \gamma \beta \frac{dE}{dt} \frac{1}{c},f_{y},f_{z},...)
[/tex]
I can see for y and z, but not for x.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What am I missing?You're missing the fact that in the rest frame, the mass has no velocity, so $\beta=0$ and $\gamma=1$. Therefore, the x-component of the force transforms as $f'_{x'}=f_x$.
 

Related to How Do Forces Transform Between Different Reference Frames in Physics?

1. What is meant by "force in different frames"?

"Force in different frames" refers to the concept of how the measurement of force can vary depending on the reference frame or point of view from which it is observed. This is an important consideration in physics, as it can affect the understanding and prediction of the behavior of objects and systems.

2. Why is it important to consider force in different frames?

It is important to consider force in different frames because it allows us to accurately describe and predict the motion and interactions of objects. In different reference frames, the same object may appear to have different forces acting on it, but in reality, the forces are the same. Understanding this concept helps us to make accurate calculations and models in physics.

3. What are some examples of different frames in which force can be observed?

Some examples of different frames in which force can be observed include inertial frames, non-inertial frames, and rotating frames. In an inertial frame, an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an external force, while in a non-inertial frame, an external force is required to keep an object at rest. In a rotating frame, the direction and magnitude of forces can change due to the rotation of the frame.

4. How does Newton's First Law relate to force in different frames?

Newton's First Law, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object will remain at rest or in motion with constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. This concept applies to force in different frames because the same object may appear to have different forces acting on it depending on the reference frame, but the object's state of motion will not change unless acted upon by an external force.

5. Can force be observed in a stationary reference frame?

Yes, force can be observed in a stationary reference frame. In a stationary frame, an external force may cause an object to accelerate or experience a change in motion. Additionally, forces acting on objects in a stationary frame can still be measured and compared to forces acting on the same object in a different frame to understand the concept of force in different frames.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
890
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
497
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
871
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
589
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
986
Back
Top