Time Difference between two inertial frames of reference

In summary, the conversation discusses two inertial frames of reference, S and S', where S' is moving at a velocity of 0.6c relative to S. An event occurs at S with a time of 2 × 10-7s and a position of 50m. The question is asking for the time at which the event occurs in S'. The solution involves using the Lorentz Transformation and the equation t = ϒ t'. The correct answer is 1.25 × 10-7s.
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Homework Statement


Let S and S' be two inertial frames of reference where S' is moving at a velocity of 0.6c relative to S.

When x = x' = 0, t = t' = 0, where t and t' are time of the clocks on S and S' respectively and x and x' are the x-coordinates of the S and S' frames respectively.

An event occurs at S when t = 2 × 10-7s and x = 50m. What is t' when the event occurs at S'?

Homework Equations


t = ϒ t'

The Attempt at a Solution


Let t' be the proper time.
t = ϒ t' where t = 2 × 10-7s and v = 0.6c.
Solving, I got t' = 1.6 × 10-7s but the answer is 1.25 × 10-7s.
What am I doing wrong?
 
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  • #2
You've taken the wrong approach. The time an event takes place in S' depends on both the time and position it takes place in S.

Have you heard of the Lorentz Transformation?
 

Related to Time Difference between two inertial frames of reference

What is the concept of "Time Difference between two inertial frames of reference"?

The time difference between two inertial frames of reference refers to the difference in time measurements between two observers who are in relative motion with respect to each other, but are both moving at a constant velocity.

How is time difference between two inertial frames of reference calculated?

The time difference between two inertial frames of reference can be calculated using the equation t' = t * √(1 - v^2/c^2), where t' is the time measured by the observer in the moving frame, t is the time measured by the stationary observer, v is the relative velocity between the two frames, and c is the speed of light.

What is the significance of time difference between two inertial frames of reference?

The concept of time difference between two inertial frames of reference is important in understanding the theory of special relativity, as it shows that time is relative and can be perceived differently by different observers depending on their relative motion. This has implications in fields such as space travel and GPS technology.

How does the time difference between two inertial frames of reference change with increasing velocity?

As the relative velocity between two frames of reference increases, the time difference between them also increases. This is due to the time dilation effect described in the theory of special relativity, which states that time moves slower for objects moving at high speeds.

Can the time difference between two inertial frames of reference be measured?

Yes, the time difference between two inertial frames of reference can be measured using highly precise clocks and advanced technology. This has been demonstrated in experiments such as the Hafele-Keating experiment and has been confirmed by observations in space.

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