Acceleration in special theory of relativity

In summary, according to the principles of both special and non-relativistic mechanics, it is not possible for an inertial frame of reference ##S'## to exist in which a body does not accelerate if it accelerates in the original frame ##S##. This is due to the constant velocity transformation between frames, which would result in another constant velocity and contradict the body's acceleration. Additionally, in Newtonian mechanics, the acceleration would not be constant if the velocity is changing in the transformed frame.
  • #1
LagrangeEuler
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In a inertial frame of reference ##S## body accelerate with constant acceleration ##a##. Can then exist inertial frame of reference ##S'## which moves with speed ##u## relative to ##S## in which body does not accelerate? And why?
 
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  • #2
No. If it does not accelerate in S' then it moves with constant velocity with respect to that frame. Transforming that velocity to S yields another constant velocity. And that is in contradiction with body being accelerated.
That is true in both SR and non-relativistic mechanics.
 
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  • #3
Can such a thing hgappen in Newtonian mechanics? If not, what does Relativity change?
 
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  • #4
Thanks. And can exist inertial frame of reference ##S'## in which acceleration is not constant if in the system ##S## acceleration is constant?
 
  • #5
LagrangeEuler said:
Thanks. And can exist inertial frame of reference ##S'## in which acceleration is not constant if in the system ##S## acceleration is constant?
Is that something you could work out for yourself? Using the transformation of acceleration from one frame to another, perhaps.
 
  • #6
I think that if one system acceleration is constant in the system that moves with velocity ##u## relative to this one acceleration will not be constant, because in formula for acceleration is velocity of moving object that changes from point to point.
 
  • #7
LagrangeEuler said:
I think that if one system acceleration is constant in the system that moves with velocity ##u## relative to this one acceleration will not be constant, because in formula for acceleration is velocity of moving object that changes from point to point.
Yes, exactly.
 
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1. What is acceleration in special theory of relativity?

Acceleration in special theory of relativity refers to the change in velocity of an object over time, taking into account the principles of relativity. It is a measure of how quickly an object's velocity is changing in a specific direction.

2. How does acceleration differ in special theory of relativity compared to classical mechanics?

In classical mechanics, acceleration is defined as the rate of change of an object's velocity in an inertial reference frame. However, in special theory of relativity, acceleration is relative to the observer's frame of reference and is affected by the principles of relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction.

3. Can an object accelerate to the speed of light in special theory of relativity?

No, according to special theory of relativity, an object with mass cannot reach the speed of light. As an object's velocity increases, its mass also increases, making it more difficult to accelerate. As the object approaches the speed of light, its mass would become infinite, requiring an infinite amount of energy to continue accelerating.

4. How does acceleration affect time in special theory of relativity?

Acceleration affects time in special theory of relativity through time dilation. As an object's velocity increases, time appears to slow down for the object relative to an observer at rest. This means that an object accelerating at high speeds will experience time at a slower rate compared to an observer at rest.

5. What is the role of acceleration in the theory of relativity?

Acceleration plays a crucial role in the theory of relativity as it is a fundamental concept in understanding the principles of relativity. It helps explain how time, distance, and mass are affected by an object's velocity and how these concepts are relative to the observer's frame of reference. Acceleration also helps reconcile the differences between classical mechanics and special theory of relativity.

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