# Special relativity transformations

1. Apr 24, 2013

### zhillyz

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Two light flashes occur on the laboratory x axis, the first at time t=0 and
position x=450 m, the second at time t=+1 ms, at the origin. In an inertial
frame moving along the x axis with speed v, the events are simultaneous.
What is the speed v?

2. Relevant equations

From the question I have decided that the relevant equations are the Lorentz transformations. We know the position's in the rest frame and we know the time of the events. In the moving frame we know the the events are simultaneous. So we cant use the transforms for x as there would be two unknowns $\Delta x'$and $v$

3. The attempt at a solution

$t_{1}' = \gamma (t_{1} - \dfrac{vx_{1}}{c^2})$
$t_{2}' = \gamma (t_{2} - \dfrac{vx_{2}}{c^2})$

$t_{2-1}' = \gamma (t_{2} -t_{1} - \dfrac{v}{c^2}(x_{2} - x_{1}))$

$0 = \gamma((1*10^-3) - 450\dfrac{v}{c^2})$

$0 =(1*10^-3) \gamma - \gamma 450\dfrac{v}{c^2}$

$\gamma 450\dfrac{v}{c^2} =(1*10^-3) \gamma$

$450\dfrac{v}{c^2} = (1*10^-3)$

$v = \dfrac{(1*10^-3)}{450} c^2 \mbox{WRONG!}$

Not sure what I am doing wrong. Any help on how to tackle these questions would be great.

2. Apr 24, 2013

### zhillyz

Unless question sheet is a misprint and it should be micro rather than milli(seconds)?

3. Apr 24, 2013

### fishistheice

Your reasoning seems to be correct, and using the numbers given does give a non-physical result, so you are perhaps correct in thinking that there is a misprint in the question.

4. Apr 24, 2013

### zhillyz

Thanks, my lecturer got back to me and confirmed this :). I appreciate you taking the time.