Special Relativity Time Dilation and Distance Contraction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of Special Relativity principles to determine the time it takes for a signal to travel between two planes moving at the same speed, v, relative to the ground. The key equations used include the Lorentz transformations: \( t' = \frac{t - vx/c^2}{\sqrt{1 - v^2/c^2}} \) and \( L' = L\sqrt{1 - v^2/c^2} \). The initial calculation for the time \( t_1 \) to receive the signal is \( t_1 = \frac{L}{c} \), while the time \( t_1' \) according to the control tower's clock is proposed as \( t_1' = \gamma t_1 \), where \( \gamma \) is the Lorentz factor. The discussion highlights the complexities of relativistic effects on time measurement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Special Relativity concepts, specifically time dilation and length contraction.
  • Familiarity with Lorentz transformations and their applications.
  • Basic knowledge of the speed of light and its role in relativistic physics.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations involving variables and constants.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the Lorentz transformations in detail.
  • Explore the concept of simultaneity in Special Relativity and its effects on time measurements.
  • Learn about the Lorentz factor \( \gamma \) and its applications in various relativistic scenarios.
  • Investigate practical examples of time dilation and length contraction in high-speed scenarios, such as particle physics.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on Special Relativity, as well as anyone interested in understanding the implications of relativistic effects on time and distance measurements.

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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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