Special relativity theory train and mosquito

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prehisto
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Homework Statement


Train is moving along the x-axis with speed v relative to platform, inside the train mosquito is flying with 3D speed v0.
1) Write mosquito s 4-speed components with respect to train coordinate system.
2) Using 4-vector component transformation write mosquito's 4-speed components with respect to platform,by transforming 4-vector speed components with respect to train.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


1) This is quite easy,the speed components with respect to train coordinate system :
(icγ,v0xγ,v0yγ,v0zγ),where γ=1/[itex]\sqrt{1-v_0^2/c^2}[/itex]
2) Here I Think i could use Lorenc transformation,but i have to use 4-vector component transformation which i think can't be used in Lorenc transform.
Some help here,please ?
 
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Hello.

prehisto said:
2) Here I Think i could use Lorenc transformation,but i have to use 4-vector component transformation which i think can't be used in Lorenc transform.

I'm not sure I'm following you here. The Lorentz transformation can be used for transforming the components of any 4-vector from one inertial frame to another.
 
TSny said:
Hello.



I'm not sure I'm following you here. The Lorentz transformation can be used for transforming the components of any 4-vector from one inertial frame to another.

In that case I am just not sure how to use transformation formulas.
Can i take the corresponding component and "plug it in" in the Lorentz formula?
 
prehisto said:
In that case I am just not sure how to use transformation formulas.
Can i take the corresponding component and "plug it in" in the Lorentz formula?

Can you show explicitly what you are thinking?
 
TSny said:
Can you show explicitly what you are thinking?

My first thought was just to plug in velocity (v0y and v0z..) into Lorentz transform ,now i released that Lorentz transform is for coordinates and time only.

So maybe i can use vx=v'x+v/(1+v*v'x/c2) and plug velocity in there?
 
No, Lorentz transform is not for coordinates and time only. It applies for any 4-vector. Neat huh?
 
prehisto said:
My first thought was just to plug in velocity (v0y and v0z..) into Lorentz transform ,now i released that Lorentz transform is for coordinates and time only.

The Lorentz transformation is for any 4-vector. Here's a link that might help: http://physicspages.com/2011/04/18/four-vectors-basics/

See about a third of the way down where the transformation is given for a general 4-vector (A0, A1, A2, A3).

I think very few people any more use imaginary values for the zeroth component of a 4-vector. The link uses the more standard notation. You might need to make some adjustments in notation.

So maybe i can use vx=v'x+v/(1+v*v'x/c2) and plug velocity in there?

I don't think this is what the problem wants you to do.
 
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