Magnitude of Vectors in Special Relativity

Click For Summary
In special relativity, the magnitude of a velocity vector must adhere to the constraint that it cannot exceed the speed of light (c). The standard formula for magnitude, v=√(vx²+vy²+vz²), can yield results greater than c, which indicates that such velocities are not physically possible. Instead, velocities in special relativity should be treated as 4-dimensional vectors, where the appropriate magnitude calculation involves 4D vector methods. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding these 4-vectors to correctly interpret velocities in the context of relativity. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need to apply the correct framework when dealing with relativistic velocities.
MrBillyShears
Gold Member
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
So for finding the magnitude of a vector, velocity for example, we use v=√(vx2+vy2+vz2), but in special relativity, velocities can not exceed c. Is their a different formula for magnitude in SR, or could a velocity like(in natural units) v=(.9,.9,.9) not exist, since the magnitude comes out to be about 1.5588c, which obviously exceeds c?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That vector could not be a velocity. Velocity is limited by v_x^2+v_y^2+v_z^2<1.
 
Ok, thanks I get it now.
 
In special relativity, all vectors should really be regarded as 4 dimensional. UltrafastPED's reference give the method for how to get the magnitude of a 4D vector.

Chet
 
How much about 4-vectors do you already know?
 
In an inertial frame of reference (IFR), there are two fixed points, A and B, which share an entangled state $$ \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(|0>_A|1>_B+|1>_A|0>_B) $$ At point A, a measurement is made. The state then collapses to $$ |a>_A|b>_B, \{a,b\}=\{0,1\} $$ We assume that A has the state ##|a>_A## and B has ##|b>_B## simultaneously, i.e., when their synchronized clocks both read time T However, in other inertial frames, due to the relativity of simultaneity, the moment when B has ##|b>_B##...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
763
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 146 ·
5
Replies
146
Views
10K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K