Two observers viewed from different sources

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Lorentz transformation in the context of two observers in different reference frames. Participants are examining the conditions under which the transformations apply, particularly at the common origin.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for a diagram to clarify the positions of observers A and B relative to a common origin. There is uncertainty about the correctness of the time relationship expressed as ##t' = t = 90/c## and how it relates to the Lorentz transformation. Questions are raised about the implications of having ##t = t' = 0## at the origin.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the Lorentz transformation and its application. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for diagrams and clarifications on time relationships, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the initial conditions and the setup of the problem, particularly concerning the definitions of time at the common origin and the positions of the observers.

HakemHa
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Homework Statement
Here is a question from "Introduction to Special Relativity Ch2, Robert Resnick" that got me confused:
 "Two observers in the S frame, A and B are separated by a distance of 60m. Let S' move at a speed of 3/5c, relative to S, the origins of the two systems O' and O, being coincident at t′=t=90/c.
 The S' frame has two observers, one at A' and one at a point B' such that, according to clocks in the S frame, A' is opposite A at the same time that B' is opposite B:

a) What is the reading on the clock of B' when B' is opposite B?

  b)The system S' continues moving until A' is opposite B. What is the reading on the clock of B   when he is opposite A'?

  c)What is the reading on the clock of A' when he is opposite B'?
Relevant Equations
Lorentz transform
I builded the translated lorentz transform, at t=0 t'=-22.5 and x'(x=0)=67.5 after that I just didn't the question
 
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:welcome:

I think you need a diagram for the S frame. Does it say where A and B are relative to the common origin?

Also, are you sure that ##t' = t = 90/c## is corrrect?
 
PeroK said:
:welcome:

I think you need a diagram for the S frame. Does it say where A and B are relative to the common origin?

Also, are you sure that ##t' = t = 90/c## is corrrect?
A is in the origin I think
 
HakemHa said:
A is in the origin I think
Okay, do you have a diagram? I'm still not sure what ##t' = t = 90/c## means. What's your plan for dealing with that? Normally we have ##t = t' = 0## at the common origin.
 
PeroK said:
Okay, do you have a diagram? I'm still not sure what ##t' = t = 90/c## means. What's your plan for dealing with that? Normally we have ##t = t' = 0## at the common origin.
I mean I just wrote the regular lorentz transform ## \vec X' = \Lambda \vec X + (67.5, -22.5) for \vec X = (x, t)## such that the origins intersect at t=t'=90/c
 
HakemHa said:
I mean I just wrote the regular lorentz transform ## \vec X' = \Lambda \vec X + (67.5, -22.5) for \vec X = (x, t)## such that the origins intersect at t=t'=90/c
The Lorentz transformation demands that ##t= t' = 0## at the origin.

I'm offline for a bit. I suggest you post your answers.
 

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