Time Dilation & Space Contraction: I'm Confused

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of time dilation and length contraction in the context of special relativity. Participants explore the relationships between time and length in different reference frames, particularly focusing on the equations involving Lorentz transformations and their implications for velocity calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the equations t=γ*t0 and L0=γ*t, questioning how they relate to the equation x=v*t for constant velocity.
  • Another participant reiterates the confusion and suggests that the velocity v would equal γ^2*v, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the equations.
  • A third participant points out that the time dilation and length contraction formulas are special cases of the Lorentz transformations and emphasizes the need to consider the full form of these transformations.
  • One participant requests clarification on the original post's grammar and variable definitions, suggesting that clarity in communication is essential for understanding the equations presented.
  • A later reply indicates that the original poster has resolved their confusion after further investigation, acknowledging that their initial assumptions were incorrect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial confusion regarding the equations, but there is a shared understanding that the Lorentz transformations are crucial for accurately describing the relationships between time, length, and velocity in different reference frames.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions and potential misunderstandings regarding the application of Lorentz transformations. The discussion highlights the importance of precise definitions and clarity in mathematical expressions.

andrepd
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I'm confused. If t=γ*t0 and L0=γ*t how does the equation x=v*t hold for x0=v*t0, for constant velocity (Let t0 be the time in the stationary reference frame and t the moving frame, the same for length)? Then v would be equal to γ^2*v... Perhaps I'm missing something here.
 
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andrepd said:
I'm confused. If t=γ*to and Lo=γ*t how does the equation x=v*t hold for x0=v*to, for constant velocity (Let to be the time in the stationary reference frame and t the moving frame, the same for length)? Then v would be equal to γ^2*v... Perhaps I'm missing something here.
Would you please spend some time proof reading your post and editing it to remove all typos and grammatical errors? Also, please make sure your equations are really what you want them to be and it would help if you would define all your variables.
 
ghwellsjr said:
Would you please spend some time proof reading your post and editing it to remove all typos and grammatical errors? Also, please make sure your equations are really what you want them to be and it would help if you would define all your variables.

I don't think I did commit grammatical errors in my OP. Maybe you mistaked to (eigentime) with the word to (preposition). I should have used italics, my bad.

DaleSpam said:
You are missing the full form of the Lorentz transform: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorentz_transformation#Boost_in_the_x-direction

The time dilation and length contraction formulas you wrote are special cases of the Lorentz transforms, not the general case. You need to use the full form.

I see. I have looked deeper into it and I seem to have sorted it out. My initial assumptions were incorrect. Thanks for the help.
 

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