Time measured by a car-Special relativity

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The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving special relativity, specifically calculating the time it takes for a light signal to reach a moving car from a stationary observer. Participants analyze the situation using Lorentz transformations and clarify the importance of establishing a common origin for both frames of reference. There is confusion regarding the correct setup of equations and the interpretation of events in different frames, particularly concerning the initial distance between the observer and the car. Ultimately, the correct calculation yields a time of approximately 0.9428 seconds as measured by the moving car. The conversation emphasizes the significance of precise calculations and understanding the principles of relativity in solving such problems.
  • #31
Paulo Figueiredo said:
I think that is a equivalent expression. In the situation in study, i think that t2-t1=x/v-a/v=(x-a)/v, and x2-x1=x-a.
Then, Δt'=γ((x-a)/v-v(x-a)/c^2)=γ((ct-a)/v-v(x-a)/c^2), where γ=1/sqrt(1-v^2/c^2).

Nevertheless, 0.9428s is not the correct answer.
 
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  • #32
PeroK said:
Nevertheless, 0.9428s is not the correct answer.
Maybe not. If you get another answer I will apreciate to know.
Thank you very much:smile:
 
  • #33
Paulo Figueiredo said:
Maybe not. If you get another answer I will apreciate to know.
Thank you very much:smile:

Why don't you try finishing it off? I get:

##\Delta t' = t'_2 - t'_1 = \gamma((t_2 - t_1) - \frac{v(x_2-x_1)}{c^2}) = \gamma(1s - \frac{x_2}{3c})##

Note that I haven't used any numbers such 200,000 at all. Also, note that ##x_2 = 1## light-second ## = 1c s##
 
  • #34
PeroK said:
Why don't you try finishing it off? I get:

##\Delta t' = t'_2 - t'_1 = \gamma((t_2 - t_1) - \frac{v(x_2-x_1)}{c^2}) = \gamma(1s - \frac{x_2}{3c})##

Note that I haven't used any numbers such 200,000 at all. Also, note that ##x_2 = 1## light-second ## = 1c s##
I think that the problem is the value of x1. x2=1c s -Okay-(it is approximately 300,000 Km). But x1=200,000 Km (2c/3 c s) ?
 
  • #35
Paulo Figueiredo said:
I think that the problem is the value of x1. x2=1c s -Okay-(it is approximately 300,000 Km). But x1=200,000 Km (2c/3 c s) ?

Ah, okay. But ##x_1 = 0##.
 
  • #36
PeroK said:
Ah, okay. But ##x_1 = 0##.
Let's see: O and A are initially in the same place (t=t'=x=x'=0). Correct? Then A moves with a velocity c/3. It was as if O moves farway from A at that velocity. The event 1 is the event concerning at t1=2 sec. Then x1 (distance between O and A, measured by O) is 200,000 Km. I don´think that x1=0. This value was not the value when the event 1 had occured.
 
  • #37
Paulo Figueiredo said:
Let's see: O and A are initially in the same place (t=t'=x=x'=0). Correct? Then A moves with a velocity c/3. It was as if O moves farway from A at that velocity. The event 1 is the event concerning at t1=2 sec. Then x1 (distance between O and A, measured by O) is 200,000 Km. I don´think that x1=0. This value was not the value when the event 1 had occured.

Event 1 is O emitting the signal. ##x_1## is the location of the event, not the position of A. So, ##x_1 = 0##. This is in O's frame. You could use the Lorentz Transformation to get the coordinate of Event 1 in A's frame, which would be ##x'_1 = \gamma(x_1 - vt_1) = -\gamma vt_1##.
 
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  • #38
PeroK said:
Event 1 is O emitting the signal. ##x_1## is the location of the event, not the position of A. So, ##x_1 = 0##. This is in O's frame. You could use the Lorentz Transformation to get the coordinate of Event 1 in A's frame, which would be ##x'_1 = \gamma(x_1 - vt_1) = -\gamma vt_1##.
You are right. Now I understand my error.
Thank you very much.
 

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