Show the relative difference in clock time between plane/ground is

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the calculation of the relative difference in clock time between a plane and ground based on the principles of special relativity. The key equations utilized include the Lorentz factor, Gamma = 1/SQRT(1-v^2/c^2), and the velocities of the plane and Earth, which are derived from angular frequency and height. The user encountered difficulties in applying the correct velocities for both the plane and Earth, particularly in relation to their respective inertial frames. The approximation of certain terms as negligible was also debated, highlighting the complexities involved in the calculations.

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  • Understanding of special relativity and the Lorentz factor
  • Familiarity with angular frequency and its application in physics
  • Knowledge of inertial frames and their significance in relativistic calculations
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations
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  • Study the derivation and implications of the Lorentz factor in special relativity
  • Explore the concept of angular frequency and its relevance to rotational motion
  • Learn about inertial frames and their role in relativistic physics
  • Investigate common approximations used in physics problems and their justifications
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Students and educators in physics, particularly those studying special relativity, as well as anyone interested in the effects of motion on time perception in different frames of reference.

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Homework Statement


http://puu.sh/7vC46.png
http://puu.sh/7vBG5.png
Note: In this image the ohm symbol represents the angular frequency of the Earth's rotation

Homework Equations


Gamma = 1/SQRT(1-v^2/c^2)
V (relative to centre of earth) = angular frequency(R+h) +/- v
v= plane velocity dependent on direction
R= radius of earth
h= height plane is flying


The Attempt at a Solution


The first part about showing it isn't dependent was easy and I just did some basic algebra. However, the second part is problematic.I can't seem to get to the equation it's asking for using the 2 tricks suggested. I think possibly because I'm using the wrong velocities when putting in Gamma(earth) and Gamma(plane)

The velocities I used were
V(plane) = Angular frequency*(R+h)+/-v
V(Earth) = Angular frequency*(R+h)
I put those into the gamma formula and went from there. I think I might be using the wrong velocities and have mucked up the inertial frames or something.
 
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For what it's worth, I was able to derive the equation using
V(Earth) = Angular frequency*R

I figured since that clock is on the Earth, there's no reason to include "h" for that particular clock (The "h" is still present in the planes' velocities though).

But, and this is a big "but," I also had to assume that \frac{\Omega^2 h^2}{c^2} and \frac{\Omega h v}{c^2} were negligible compared to other, similar terms and can be neglected (contrasted with terms like \frac{R \Omega^2 h}{c^2} and \frac{R \Omega v}{c^2} which are obviously much larger). That particular approximation wasn't spelled out in the problem statement, so I'm not sure if my method is "correct" either. :redface:
 
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Omg... Wow thank you so much. I can't believe I overlooked that haha :P
 

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