Special Relativity - relative motion of two bars

In summary, the conversation discusses the relative velocity between two bars moving in the same way on the x-axis. The question is how can they have a nonzero relative velocity if they are moving in the same way. In response, it is suggested to find the length of the second bar in the frame of the first bar and determine how that length, velocity, and time interval (Δt) are related in order to solve for the velocity. The conversation also mentions that showing work is required and references a similar question on a physics forum.
  • #1
John Sellars
1
0
Misplaced Homework Thread: post moved from technical forums, so no template
Hi, I'm stucked in this exercise. I don't know how to proceed. Any hints I appreciate it.Two bars of the same proper length L, moves in the same way on the x axis. In the referential of one of the bars the time interval between the events, when the extremity right of one bar and the extremity left of other bar is equal to to Δt. Find the relative velocity of the the two.
 
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  • #2
How can they have a nonzero relative velocity if they move in the same way?
John Sellars said:
In the referential of one of the bars the time interval between the events, when the extremity right of one bar and the extremity left of other bar is equal to to Δt.
The grammar in that sentence looks broken.

Find how long the second bar is in the frame of the first bar (as function of the velocity v). Then determine how that length, the velocity and Δt are related. That should lead to some equation for the velocity that you can solve.
 
  • #3
@John Sellars you must show your work on this site. What have you tried so far.
 
  • #4
Someone else is asking this question:
https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/590423/special-relativity-relative-motion-of-two-objects
 

What is Special Relativity?

Special Relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein in 1905 that explains how objects move at high speeds and how time and space are affected by this motion. It is a fundamental concept in physics and has been extensively tested and proven through experiments and observations.

How does Special Relativity explain the relative motion of two bars?

According to Special Relativity, the relative motion of two bars is affected by their relative velocity and the observer's frame of reference. This means that the length and time measurements of the bars will appear different to different observers, depending on their relative speeds.

Why is the speed of light considered a constant in Special Relativity?

In Special Relativity, the speed of light is considered a constant because it is the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. This is a fundamental principle of the theory and has been confirmed through numerous experiments.

How does time dilation occur in Special Relativity?

Time dilation occurs in Special Relativity because the speed of light is constant and the laws of physics are the same for all observers. This means that as an object moves at high speeds, time appears to slow down for that object relative to a stationary observer.

What is the difference between Special Relativity and General Relativity?

Special Relativity deals with the laws of physics in inertial (non-accelerating) frames of reference, while General Relativity extends these laws to include accelerated frames of reference, such as those in the presence of gravity. General Relativity also includes the concept of spacetime curvature, while Special Relativity does not.

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