Lorentz transformations (2nd year relativity)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a problem involving Lorentz transformations in special relativity. The light signal is sent from the origin of system K, and the time of receipt is calculated as 5 * 10^8 seconds. For the moving frame K', the user struggles with calculating the transformed coordinates (x', y', z', t') using the Lorentz transformation equations. The correct approach involves using the equation Δt' = γ(Δt - vΔx/c²) and Δx' = γ(Δx - vΔt), with γ calculated as 1.25 for a velocity of 0.6c.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz transformations
  • Familiarity with the speed of light (c) and its significance in relativity
  • Basic knowledge of spacetime coordinates (x, y, z, t)
  • Ability to perform calculations involving square roots and algebraic manipulation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz transformation equations
  • Learn how to calculate the Lorentz factor (γ) for different velocities
  • Practice problems involving multiple spacetime events to solidify understanding of Δt and Δx
  • Explore the implications of relativistic effects on time and space in various frames of reference
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying special relativity, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Lorentz transformations and their applications in different inertial frames.

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Homework Statement



A light signal is sent from the origin of a system K at t = 0 to the point x = 1 m, y = 8 m, z = 13 m. a) At what time t is the signal received?
b) Find ( x', y', z', t' ) for the receipt of the signal in a frame K' that is moving along the x-axis of K at a speed of 0.6c.

Homework Equations



The lorentz transformations:

x' = \gamma * (x - vt)
y' = y
z' = z


The Attempt at a Solution



Part a was easy. I got the right answer. I just took the length of the vector given by the co-ordinates and divided by the speed of light. The answer is 5 * 10^8 I am having trouble with part b.

Ofcourse, y' and z' were easy to get. t' (i had 3 tries, and i used them all) so I lost a mark there. I have one try left on x'.

Using the equation, we first have to solve for \gamma. Plugging the numbers into the equation for gamma:
\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-(v/c)^2}}\; \text{yields} \; 1.25

Then using the lorentz transformation I have the following eqn:
x' = \gamma (x - vt) . Plugging in the numbers yeilds
x' = 1.25(1 - 0.6 * c *(5E-8))

I get 10 as the answer. It is wrong. I also thought t = 0 could work since that's when the event happened. But the answer 1.25 is also wrong.

My third attempt yielded 11.25m however, I am scared to submit it. If anyone can please verify my number for me.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The Lorentz transformations are more accurately written
\Delta t' = \gamma(\Delta t - v\Delta x/c^2)
\Delta x' = \gamma(\Delta x - v\Delta t)
The \Delta indicates that the numbers to be plugged in should be the difference between two spacetime events. So putting in t=0 is a mistake that you should not make again.

Can you show your calculations for the other two attempts?
 

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