What is the motion of K' in the direction of the x-axis?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the motion of a reference frame K' in relation to events occurring in another frame K. The original poster seeks to determine the conditions under which two specific events in frame K occur simultaneously in frame K'. The context involves concepts from special relativity, particularly Lorentz transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of Lorentz transformations to relate the time and position of events between frames. Questions arise regarding the calculation of time differences in K' and the role of the Lorentz factor (gamma) in these transformations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the correct application of Lorentz transformations and the implications of velocity on time measurements. There is an acknowledgment of confusion regarding the relationship between the frames and the calculations needed to describe K's motion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the equations involved and the challenge of determining the velocity of K' based on the given events. There is an emphasis on the need to clarify assumptions about simultaneity and the transformation of temporal coordinates.

xWaffle
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Homework Statement



Find a system K' in which the following events in frame K appear at the same time:

i) x1 = a; t1 = (2a) / c; y1 = 0; z1 = 0
ii) x2 = 2a; t2 = (3a) / (2c); y2 = 0; z2 = 0

Describe the motion of K'.

Homework Equations



Lorentz transformations; time dilation; length contraction..maybe?

The Attempt at a Solution



My scratch-work is too complicated to try and re-post here, but basically I have come to the conclusion I don't really know how to use the equations to describe the motion of K'. I need to describe the motion of K' in the direction along which the motion occurs, which is obviously the x-axis
 
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What is the time of any event in K as seen in K'?
 
In K the event is seen as T0 = t2 - t1 = (3a / 2c) - (2a / c), and in K'.. um, T' = gamma*T0? If that's so then I don't know how to calculate this because gamma relies on velocity which is what I'm trying to find
 
No, it is not gamma*T0 in K'. What is the Lorentz transformation of the temporal coordinate?
 

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