How Does Relativity Affect Time and Space Measurements Between Events?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ZanyCat
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Events Spacetime
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of relativity on time and space measurements between two events observed in different frames of reference. The original poster presents a scenario where two events occur at the same spatial point in one frame, with differing time measurements in another moving frame.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion about how to approach the problem, mentioning a calculation related to the distance of the second event in the moving frame. Other participants suggest starting with relevant equations and question which principles of relativity, such as time dilation or length contraction, may apply.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to identify relevant equations, but there is no consensus on the specific approach to take yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of clarity on the necessary equations and concepts, highlighting the challenge of applying relativistic principles to the problem at hand.

ZanyCat
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
The question...

Two events are observed in a frame of reference S to occur at the same space point, with the second event occurring after a time of 1.70s. In a second frame S' moving relative to S, the second event is observed to occur after a time of 2.25 s.
What is the difference Δx between the positions of the two events as measured in S'?

I know that you guys like people to post their attempt at a solution, but I am legitimately lost and don't even know where to start :(
All I've managed to work out is that for S', event 2 occurred [tex]6.75*10^8[/tex]m away.

Help would be much appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You could start by writing down the relevant equations.
 
That's the problem, I don't know which equations I need. Do I need time dilation? Do I need to consider length contraction? Do I need to use a Lorentz transformation on the coordinates of something? Do I need to get a Lorentz transformation of a velocity?

I am completely lost with this question in every sense of the word.
 
The problem is obviously talking about time between two events in one frame and in another frame. What equation is relevant there? What can you determine from it?
 

Similar threads

Order of events in a train traveling at v = 0.76c
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
"Distance" between events in uniformly moving and accelerating frames
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Time measured by two clocks (involves time dilation)
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Special Relativity: What are the events in the question?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
2K
Difference between time / length equations for time dilation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Special relativity - Trivial exercise with spacetime interval
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Lorentz Transformation - Speeds relative to different observers
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Calculate time passed on a ship clock seen by Earth observers
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Special relativity and simultaneity: Spacecraft and Target
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Required speed for two events to be simultaneous
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K