Special relativity: fireworks exploding

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion on special relativity, a scenario is presented where two firecrackers explode at different locations and times, raising questions about time measurements from different reference frames. The time dilation formula is deemed inapplicable because the explosions occur at different spatial coordinates, necessitating the use of Lorentz transformations instead. The key events are defined with their respective coordinates and times, leading to the need to calculate the elapsed time between explosions in the astronauts' frame. The Lorentz Transformation is highlighted as the correct method to determine the time interval between the two events. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the importance of using the appropriate relativistic equations when dealing with events that are not co-located in spacetime.
alingy1
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A firecracker explodes at the origin of an inertial reference frame. Then, 2.0 microseconds later, a second firecracker explodes 300m away. Astronauts in a passing rocket measure the distance between the explosions to be 200m. According to the astronauts, how much time elapses between the two explosions?
Okay. My textbook answers this question using spacetime interval consistency which is simple.
I don't understand why the time dilation formula does not work:
$$Δt = \frac {Δτ}{ \sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}}$$
Where v is simply the ratio between 300m and 2 microseconds.
Δτ=?
Δt=2x10^-6 s
 
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alingy1 said:
I don't understand why the time dilation formula does not work:
$$Δt = \frac {Δτ}{ \sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}}$$
The time dilation formula is a special case of the more general Lorentz transformations. It would apply if the firecrackers exploded at the same place in the 'moving' frame. But here they are 300m apart, so you cannot use it.
 
The easiest and least error-prone way to do this problem is to use the Lorentz Transformation directly.

Event 1: x=0, t=0, x'=0, t'=0

Event 2: x = 300, t = 2x10-6, x'=200, t'=?

So, Δx = 300, Δt = 2x10-6, Δx'=200, Δt'=?

What does the Lorentz Transformation predict for Δt'.
 
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