Relative Velocity of Particle ##p##: S vs S

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relative velocity of a particle ##p## moving with velocity ##u\hat i## in reference frame S and its velocity in frame S', which is ##-c \hat i##. It is established that the concept of absolute rest is non-physical, as no inertial frame can move at the speed of light (c) relative to another inertial frame. The conversation highlights the inconsistency that arises when attempting to define the velocity of particle ##p## in both frames, ultimately concluding that such definitions lead to undefined results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with inertial reference frames
  • Knowledge of velocity transformation equations
  • Basic grasp of the concept of the speed of light (c)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Lorentz transformation equations in special relativity
  • Explore the implications of the speed of light as a universal constant
  • Investigate the concept of inertial frames and their properties
  • Learn about relativistic velocity addition formulas
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying special relativity, educators teaching these concepts, and anyone interested in the theoretical implications of velocity and reference frames in modern physics.

Apashanka
Messages
427
Reaction score
15
TL;DR
Considering two frames S(absolute rest) and S' where S' is moving with respect to S with a velocity ##c\hat i##
A particle ##p## is moving with a velocity ##u\hat i## with respect to S ...
The velocity of ##p## with respect to S' is then ##-c \hat i##...

Another part...
Similarly taking the velocity of particle ##p## with respect to S' as ##-c\hat i## the velocity of ##p## with respect to S is then coming to be undefined ,however it should be coming to be ##u\hat i##??isn't it...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Unfortunately there is nothing we can discuss here. The idea of absolute rest is non-physical and even in theory there is no such thing as an inertial frame moving at c with respect to another inertial frame.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Pencilvester and vanhees71

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
974
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 57 ·
2
Replies
57
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K