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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of coordinates in special relativity, specifically the notation (x1, ct1) = (25m, 25m) and its implications regarding units of measurement.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the meaning of the 'm' in the context of Minkowski coordinates and question whether it represents meters or another unit. There is also discussion on the dimensionality of ct and its interpretation as a length.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights regarding the units, with some confirming that 'm' refers to meters. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of this notation in special relativity, particularly concerning the understanding of time and space coordinates.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for misunderstanding the notation without clear unit definitions, emphasizing the importance of recognizing ct as a spatial dimension rather than a time dimension.

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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.
 
Last edited:
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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