Special Relativity Time Dilation and Distance Contraction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the time it takes for a radio signal to reach a second plane from a first plane in the context of special relativity. The first question addresses the time \( t_1 \) for the signal to reach the second plane, with the initial assumption being \( t_1 = \frac{L}{c} \), where \( L \) is the distance between the planes. The second question involves determining the time \( t_1' \) according to the control tower's clock, with a suggestion that it might be calculated using the formula \( t_1' = \frac{t_1 - vL/c^2}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}} \). There is confusion regarding the correct application of time dilation and the relative motion of the planes and the signal. The discussion highlights the complexities of applying special relativity to scenarios involving simultaneous events and moving observers.
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Homework Statement



Two planes are flying (one behind the other) with the same speed v with respect to the ground, and they have two identical clocks on board.
The distance between the planes is determined on x_1 (they don't mean the distance measured is equal to x_1 do they..?). On t=0 (according to the clock on board of the front plane) the pilot sends a radiosignal to the plane behind him.

1.

On what time t_1 does this signal reach the second plane according to the clock on board of the second plane?

2.

On the instant that the signal is being emitted, the front plane is right above the control tower, and the clock of the control tower shows the same time t'=0. On what time t_1 ' does the second plane receive the signal according to the clock on the control tower?

Homework Equations



$$ t'= \frac{t-vx/c^2}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}}$$
$$ x'=\frac{x-vt}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}$$
$$\Delta t = \frac{\Delta t'}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}}$$
$$ L'=L\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


1.

If the measured distance between the two planes is L, I would think that
$$ t_1 =\frac{L/c} $$ because they are going with the same speed relative to the ground, is this correct?

2.

Here I am lost, is this not simply
$$t_1'= \frac{t_1-vL/c^2}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}}$$ ?

I am really lost, could I have a tip?

thank you!
 
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I thought about it again and I thought it could be

$$ t_1'=\gamma t_1 $$ , but again I'm not really sure, because the plane is moving towards the radiosignal(so we have a radiosignal going towards the plane with velocity c and the plane going towards the signal with velocity v) and I don't really know how to deal with this.

Anyone?
 
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