What is the new angle of the light ray after Lorentz transformations?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the new angle of a light ray after applying Lorentz transformations when the original inertial frame S moves at half the speed of light (c/2) in the x-direction. The light ray initially forms a 60-degree angle with the x-axis in frame S. Participants suggest using Lorentz transformations to analyze the position of the light ray at a specific time and how it appears in the moving frame S'. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying the frames of reference and applying the transformations to find the new angle. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately solving the problem.
Felpudio
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[Mentor's note: This question was originally posted and responded to in a non-homework forum, therefore it does not have the usual homework template.]

Hey, don't know how to solve this:

In an inertial frame S, consider a light ray on the XY plane forming a 60 degree angle with the x-axis. What will the new angle be, when S moves in the x direction with a c/2 velocity?

Thanks.
 
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Perhaps this should have been posted in the homework forum.

Consider the light ray starting at the origin of S at time ##t = 0## (with moving system denoted S', you already said S was the original inertial frame, you cannot call the moving frame S as well). Where will it be a time ##t = T## later based on the information you have? What do you get if you Lorentz transform these two events to S'?
 
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