Special relativity and simultaneity: Spacecraft and Target

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of special relativity regarding simultaneity in a scenario involving a spacecraft moving at speed v along the x-axis and two targets separated by distance L. The conclusion reached is that there is no inertial frame in which both targets can be hit simultaneously due to the relativistic effects of time dilation and length contraction. The Lorentz transformation equations indicate that the velocity of any frame attempting to achieve simultaneity would exceed the speed of light, which is not permissible. The proper distance between the targets remains L, while the contracted distance observed from the spacecraft is L_c = L/γ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts, particularly simultaneity and Lorentz transformations.
  • Familiarity with the Lorentz factor (γ) and its implications on time and distance.
  • Basic knowledge of event notation in physics, specifically in the context of spacetime events.
  • Comprehension of the relationship between proper time and relativistic effects on moving objects.
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  • Study the implications of Lorentz transformations on simultaneity in different inertial frames.
  • Explore the concept of proper time and its calculation in relativistic scenarios.
  • Investigate the relationship between velocity, time dilation, and length contraction in special relativity.
  • Examine case studies involving multiple events and their simultaneity in different reference frames.
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Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on special relativity, as well as anyone interested in the nuances of simultaneity and relativistic effects in high-speed scenarios.

LCSphysicist
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Homework Statement
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Relevant Equations
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I made an exercise whose question is like that:

A spacecraft moves with speed v at the axis x. There are two target at the axis x, in which the distance between them is L at the ground frame. Suppose that the spacecraft shoot the target simultaneously when it passes by the target. A|so, neglect the time between the spacecraft shoot and the hit of the target. Is there a frame in which both targets are hitted simultaneously? If yes, what is the velocity of the frame?

Now, i have found an answer that i am 99% sure is wrong, but just want to make sure and, also, would like to know the speed of this frame for both hits simultaneously:

I have decided to name two events:
Event A: Spacecraft passes the first target/hit the first target.
Event B: Spacecraft passes the second target/hit the second target.

Using lorentz transformation, $$\Delta t' = \gamma ' (\Delta t - \beta' \Delta x) = \gamma ' (\Delta t - \beta' v \Delta t) = 0$$
$$\implies$$
$$1 - v'v = 0, v<1 \implies v'>1$$

So there are no frame in which the target are hitted simultaneously.

I am aware of the lost of simultaneously, so i am sure i am wrong because probably in the frame S' the missle is not fired and wouldn't hit the target at the same time the spacecraft passes the target.

But the problem i am having is to understand how could i find the velocity of S' without i know the missle speed? Someone can help me?
 
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Herculi said:
Homework Statement:: .
Relevant Equations:: .

So there are no frame in which the target are hitted simultaneously.
Surely. If there were such a frame, there must be two same rockets in that frame.
 
Last edited:
Herculi said:
Homework Statement:: .
Relevant Equations:: .

Suppose that the spacecraft shoot the target simultaneously when it passes by the target. A|so, neglect the time between the spacecraft shoot and the hit of the target. Is there a frame in which both targets are hitted simultaneously?
This supposition is wrong. The proper distance between the targets is L; the contracted distance, wrt the spacecraft , is## L_c=L/\gamma##, thus it takes the proper time ##\tau={L_c/v}## for the spacecraft to go from the first to the second target.
 

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