Lorentz transformation, special relativity problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a special relativity problem involving Lorentz transformations between two frames of reference, S and S'. The problem presents two events occurring in frame S' and asks for the relative velocity of the frames and the time in S when the events are observed. The participant expresses initial confusion about how to start the problem and notes that the events are simultaneous in frame S. After applying the Lorentz transformation equations and subtracting them, the participant confirms they arrived at the correct answer and acknowledges the need for more practice to gain confidence in solving such problems.
mhen333
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Frame S and S' are moving with respect to each other in the x-axis with some velocity. An event happens in S' at x'_1 = 1.0 c*year at t'_1 = 1.0 year. Another event happens at t'_2 = 2.0 c*year at t'_2 = 0.5 year. The two events are simultaneous at some point in S. The origins of S and S' are coincident at time t' = t = 0. Find the relative velocity of the frames, and the time in S when the events are noticed.


Homework Equations



t ' = \gamma \left(t - \frac{vx}{c^2}\right)
x ' = \gamma \left(x - vt \right)

The Attempt at a Solution



I really didn't even know where to start. I know that t_1 and t_2 as seen from S are equal, because the events were simultaneous. I tried listing out the equations, but I don't have enough equations for the amount of variables that I need to solve for. The assignment has already been turned in, and I know the answer of V (it was given in the back of the book), but I'd really like to know how to do the problem.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have

\begin{align*}<br /> t&#039;_1 &amp;= \gamma\left(t_1 - \frac{vx_1}{c^2}\right) \\<br /> t&#039;_2 &amp;= \gamma\left(t_2 - \frac{vx_2}{c^2}\right)<br /> \end{align*}

Subtract the first equation from the second. What do you get?
 
I get the right answer, thanks a ton!

I just need to do a lot more problems until I get comfortable with it, I think.

Thanks again!
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top