Special relativity and acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a particle moving along the x-axis with uniform acceleration, specifically examining the relationship between proper time, position, and time in different reference frames according to the principles of special relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive position and time as functions of proper time using transformations between frames. Some participants question the validity of the assumptions made regarding acceleration in different frames and the integration of velocity.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem, particularly regarding the assumptions about acceleration and the transformation between frames. Some guidance has been offered regarding the limitations of the original poster's approach, suggesting a need for reevaluation.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the correspondence principle and the potential for mistakes in integration, indicating that the discussion is constrained by the complexities of relativistic transformations and the conditions under which they apply.

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Homework Statement
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Relevant Equations
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A particle is moving along the x-axis. It is uniformly accelerated in the sense
that the acceleration measured in its instantaneous rest frame is always g, a constant.
Find x and t as functions of the proper time τ assuming the particle passes through
x0 at time t = 0 with zero velocity.I

n particle frame, the acceleration is constant and given by g.

So we have $$dv/d\tau = g \implies x = x_o + v_ot + g\tau^2/2$$
Using the initial conditions,$$ x = x_o + g\tau^2/2 $$

So now we have to transform it to the rest frame coordinates/lab frame.

$$\begin{pmatrix}
ct'\\x'

\end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix}
\gamma & \gamma \beta \\
\gamma \beta & \gamma
\end{pmatrix}

\begin{pmatrix}
ct \\ x = x_o + g\tau^2/2

\end{pmatrix}$$

I am using beta instead of minus beta, because i am changing from a frame in motion to a frame in rest.

Now, assuming that $$(dv/dt) dt/d\tau = g \implies v= gt/\gamma$$
And so, $$\gamma = \sqrt{1+g^2t^2}$$
$$\beta = -gt/(c\gamma)$$

that implies $$t` = \sqrt{1+g^2t^2}(c\tau + \beta*( x_o + g\tau^2/2))/c$$
and $$x' = \sqrt{1+g^2t^2}(c \tau \beta +(x_o + g\tau^2/2))$$

But i am not sure about these results i get, i have the impression i am doing something wrong. Is it right?
 
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It might be helpful to see the form of the equations when \beta is small. (Correspondence principle.)
 
robphy said:
It might be helpful to see the form of the equations when \beta is small. (Correspondence principle.)
I think i could have had a mistake when i integrated the v, reading it again... But, i think what's matter more to me is if the approach is right. I mean, solve it using the proper time, and so changing to the rest frame using the inverse matrix transform, what do you think?
 
You only have ##dx/d\tau = g## instantaneously in any frame when the particle is at rest in that frame. As soon as the particle deviates from zero velocity in that frame, it is no longer valid. Therefore you willhave to rethink your approach.
 

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