(a) Write out the matrix that describes a Galilean transformation (Eq. 12.12).

(b) Write out the matrix describing a Lorentz transformation along the yaxis.

(c) Find the matrix describing a Lorentz transformation with velocity v along the x axis followed by a Lorentz transformation with velocity valong they axis. Does it matter in what order the transformations are carried out?

Short Answer

Expert verified

(a) The matrix that describes a Galilean transformation is

ctxyz=1000-β10000100001ctxyz

(b) The matrix that describes a Lorentz transformation along the y-axis is

txyz=γ0-γβ00100-γβ0γ00001txyz

(c) The matrix describing a Lorentz transformation along the x and y-axis are A=γ-γβ00-γβγ0000100001and B=γ0-γB00100-γB0γ00001respectively. Yes, the order does matter, in the other order, bar and no-bars would be switched, and this forms a different matrix.

Step by step solution

01

Expression for the Galilean transformation along the x-axis:

Write the values oft,x,y and zusing Galilean transformation.

x0=ctx=x-vty=yz=z

Also,

t=t

02

Determine the matrix that describes a Galilean transformation:

(a)

Write a matrix that describes a Galilean transformation.

ctxyz=1000-β10000100001ctxyz

Therefore, the matrix that describes a Galilean transformation is

ctxyz=1000-β10000100001ctxyz

03

Determine the matrix that describes a Lorentz transformation along the y-axis:

(b)

Write the values of t,x,yand zusing Lorentz transformation along the y-axis.

t=y(1-βt)x=xy=y(y-βt)z=z

Write a matrix that describes a Lorentz transformation along the y-axis.

txyz=γ0-γβ00100-γβ0γ00001txyz

Therefore, the matrix that describes a Lorentz transformation along the y-axis is.

txyz=γ0-γβ00100-γβ0γ00001txyz

04

Determine the matrix describing a Lorentz transformation with the velocities (vandv ) along the x and x-axis, respectively:

(c)

Write the matrix for Lorentz transformation with velocity v along the x-axis.

A=γ-γβ00-γβγ0000100001

Write the matrix for Lorentz transformation with velocity along the y-axis.

B=γ0-γB00100-γB0γ00001

Take the product of matrices A and B.

A×B=γ-γβ00-γβγ0000100001γ0-γB00100-γB0γ00001A×B=γγ-γγβ-γβ0-γβγ00-γγβγγββγ00001

Yes, the order does matter, in the other order, bar and no-bars would be switched, and this forms a different matrix.

Therefore, the matrix describing a Lorentz transformation along the x and y-axis are A=γ-γβ00-γβγ0000100001and B=γ0-γB00100-γB0γ00001respectively. Yes, the order does matter, in the other order, bar and no-bars would be switched, and this forms a different matrix.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The coordinates of event Aare (xA,0,0),tA, and the coordinates of event B are(xB,0,0),tA. Assuming the displacement between them is spacelike, find the velocity of the system in which they are simultaneous.

An electric dipole consists of two point charges(±q), each of massm, fixed to the ends of a (massless) rod of lengthd. (Donotassumedis small.)

(a) Find the net self-force on the dipole when it undergoes hyperbolic motion (Eq. 12.61) along a line perpendicular to its axis. [Hint:Start by appropriately modifying Eq. 11.90.]

x(t)=Fmt'1+(Ft'mc)2dt'=mc2F1+(Ft'mc)2|0t=mc2F1+(Ftmc)21...(12.61)

Fself=q2(E1+E2)=q28πε0c2(lc2ad2)(l2+d2)3/2x^...(11.90)

(b) Notice that this self-force is constant (t drops out), and points in the direction of motion—just right to produce hyperbolic motion. Thus it is possible for the dipole to undergo self-sustaining accelerated motion with no external force at all !! [Where do you suppose the energy comes from?] Determine the self-sustaining force, F, in terms of m, q, and d.

Show that it is possible to outrun a light ray, if you're given a sufficient head start, and your feet generate a constant force.

(a) What’s the percent error introduced when you use Galileo’s rule, instead of Einstein’s, withvAB=5mi/handvBC=60mi/hand?

(b) Suppose you could run at half the speed of light down the corridor of a train going three-quarters the speed of light. What would your speed be relative to the ground?

(c) Prove, using Eq. 12.3, that ifvAB<candvBC<cthenvAC<cInterpret this result.


Consider a particle in hyperbolic motion,

x(t)=b2+(ct)2,y=z=0

(a) Find the proper time role="math" localid="1654682576730" τas a function of τ, assuming the clocks are set so thatτ=0 whenτ=0 . [Hint: Integrate Eq. 12.37.]

(b) Find x and v (ordinary velocity) as functions ofτ .

(c) Findημ (proper velocity) as a function of τ.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free