(x1, ct1) = (25m, 25m) - What do the 'm' represent? (SR)

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In the context of special relativity, the notation (x1, ct1) represents spatial and temporal coordinates, where 'm' stands for meters. The 'ct' term indicates that time is being multiplied by the speed of light, resulting in a length measurement in meters. This can lead to confusion if not properly understood, as students might misinterpret the time coordinate as a regular spatial coordinate. Clarifying that both spatial and temporal components are expressed in meters helps prevent misunderstandings. Understanding this notation is crucial for accurately interpreting Minkowski coordinates in relativity.
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I'm currently completing a special relativity assignment, and whenever coordinates are referred to they're represented as (x1, ct1) = (25m, 25m) or (6m, 2m). There are no units given (other than the 'm', and I highly doubt they're using minutes for ct). If someone could clear this up for me I'd be very grateful.

Cheers!
 
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"m" as in Minkowski coordinates, perhaps?

ct has dimensions of length, btw.

Note that unless you work with the full 4-vector, it would be extremely easy for students to misunderstand the notation without the "m", falsely believing the time coordinate was a regular space coordinate.
 
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M for meter perhaps, since these have the dimension of length.
 
Just to clarify, it is for "meters."

Spatial units are typically denoted in m, and I'm sure you've seen x represent a spatial coordinate.

ct is also meters, because c is the speed of light and c=3*108 meters/second [m/s] except it is multiplied by time. So you have a velocity (c) times time.
(meters/seconds)*seconds=meters because the seconds cancel.
 
Ha, it didn't occur to me ct was in meters (very new to SR). Thanks!
 
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