Spacetime diagram problem (spacelike intervals)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the relative speed of a frame in which two spacelike-separated events occur simultaneously on a spacetime diagram. The events are located at coordinates x=-4, t=5 and x=0, t=6. The solution indicates that the relative speed, represented as Beta, is calculated using the formula Delta(t)/Delta(x), resulting in a value of 0.25. However, there is confusion regarding this calculation, with one participant asserting that the relative speed should actually be 4. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between time and distance in spacetime diagrams.
Moataz
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Homework Statement


Suppose on a spacetime diagram, an event happens at x=-4, t=5 and another event happens at x=0 and t=6. If there is a frame such that the two events happen simultaneously, what would the relative speed of that frame be?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know this interval is spacelike ( between the two events) but the answer says Relative speed=Beta=Delta(t)/Delta(x)=0.25 But I do not understand why is the speed=time over distance here?
 
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In a spacetime diagram, a point is an event. If a line connects two points, or two events, the line is called the line of simultaneity. The slope of the line of simultaneity is the inverse of the slope of the world line of a moving frame. Therefore, you can find the slope of the line of simultaneity from the two point you are given and then find the slope of the world line.
 
Moataz said:

Homework Statement


Suppose on a spacetime diagram, an event happens at x=-4, t=5 and another event happens at x=0 and t=6. If there is a frame such that the two events happen simultaneously, what would the relative speed of that frame be?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I know this interval is spacelike ( between the two events) but the answer says Relative speed=Beta=Delta(t)/Delta(x)=0.25 But I do not understand why is the speed=time over distance here?
I agree with you. The relative speed should be 4.

Chet
 
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