Stellar object ejects a jet Special Relativity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a stellar object ejecting a jet at a speed v towards an observer, making an angle θ with the line of sight. The objective is to prove a specific relationship for the observed speed V of the jet and to explore conditions under which this speed can appear to exceed the speed of light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the velocity transformation equations in different frames of reference, questioning the relative speed of the observer in the stellar object's frame. Some express frustration over reaching a dead end in their reasoning.

Discussion Status

There are multiple interpretations being explored regarding the application of Lorentz transformations and the conditions under which the observed speed can exceed c. Some participants have suggested looking into specific examples, such as the quasar 3C 273, for additional insights.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem, including assumptions about the speeds involved and the need for careful consideration of the observer's frame. There is mention of a paper that may contain relevant information, but the discussion remains open-ended with no consensus reached.

crimsonidol
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Homework Statement


A stellar object at some known large distance ejects a ‘jet’ at speed v towards
an observer obliquely, making an angle θ with the line of sight. To the observer the
jet appears to be ejected sideways at speed V . Prove V = c sin θ (c/v − cos θ )−1 , and
show that this can exceed c, for example, when θ = 45◦ . [Indeed, such apparently
superluminal jets once had observers worried—briefly.]
Question from Rindler 2.21


Homework Equations


Nothing more is supplied in the question.


The Attempt at a Solution


I have tried to use the velocity transformation in the frame of stellar object?(Say frame S). Since I know the speed of the object in observers frame(say S') which is V in the y direction and velocity u'(0,V,0) say in standart configuration.and I know the vcosθ is the speed in x direction vsinθ is the speed in y direction and velocity u(vcosθ,vsinθ,0) in the frame S. However I do not know the observer's relative speed in stellar object's frame.
I tried to find by applying velocity transformation in x direction first to find relative speed of observer and then applied in y direction but no use. I have found out to satisfy the given equation speed of the observer should be c relative to the stellar object. What do I miss? I think I'm missing something silly but I cannot find out. I have been thinking for days. Please give me clue.
 
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I need a spark :S
If anything is unclear I may rewrite it.
 
it is not a homework but i need to solve this. it is killing me slowly and I'm in a closed loop coming to the same point everytime. please help me about it.
 
Sorry I'm not comfortable with the codes so I wrote a paper and uploaded it. Hope some1 can tell me where I have gone wrong.
http://imgur.com/ZN50J
 
You could read a paper about the quasar 3C 273 for hints.
 
ok i thing I figured it out.
Thanks e.bar.goum I look for quasar and found this https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=...05218/49609/excerpt/9780521849609_excerpt.pdf

too many assumptions in it by the way. you should take the speed of the stellar object's velocity too small relative to jet. Lorent'z transformation again does not much help here. You need to send two photons in consecutive times Δt separated. And then calculate the time observer will measure and divide that time by vsinθ/Δt.Then you will get it.
 

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