Special relativity: fireworks exploding

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of spacetime interval consistency and the time dilation formula to determine the time elapsed between two firecracker explosions. However, it is concluded that the Lorentz Transformation should be used due to the fact that the explosions occur at different places in the 'moving' frame. The predicted value of Δt' using the Lorentz Transformation is still unknown.
  • #1
alingy1
325
0
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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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'.
 

1. What is special relativity?

Special relativity is a theory proposed by Albert Einstein in 1905 that describes the relationship between space and time. It states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion, and the speed of light is constant for all observers.

2. How does special relativity apply to fireworks exploding?

When fireworks explode, the particles are moving at high speeds and therefore, according to special relativity, their perception of time and space is different from that of an observer on the ground. This means that the colors and patterns we see in the explosion may be slightly distorted due to time dilation and length contraction.

3. What is time dilation in special relativity?

Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass slower for objects moving at high speeds. According to special relativity, the faster an object moves, the slower time passes for it. This can have an effect on the perception of time for fireworks exploding, making the explosion appear to last longer for the particles within it compared to the observer on the ground.

4. How does special relativity affect the speed of light in fireworks?

Special relativity states that the speed of light is constant for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. This means that the speed of light within a firework explosion will be the same for the particles within it and for the observer on the ground. This constant speed of light is what allows us to see the explosion in real-time.

5. Is special relativity necessary for understanding fireworks exploding?

Special relativity is not necessary for understanding the basic principles of fireworks exploding. However, it can provide a more in-depth understanding of the relationship between time, space, and light in this phenomenon. Additionally, special relativity has been confirmed through various experiments and is an important aspect of modern physics.

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