Relative Velocity in Lorentz Transform: Agree or Disagree?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of relative velocity between two inertial observers in motion. The observers do not agree on the distance or elapsed time, leading to a disagreement on the relative velocity. The inverse transform can become complicated if the exact same relative velocity cannot be assumed. The conversation also touches upon the Lorentz transform and how it can be used to measure the velocity of the spatial origin in the primed frame. Ultimately, the inverse formula can be derived by solving for x and t in terms of x' and t'.
  • #1
exmarine
241
11
Do two inertial observers in relative motion agree on their relative velocity? Velocity is distance per unit time and they don’t agree on the distance or the elapsed time. If the apparent distance in the prime system is shorter and the elapsed time is longer, then it seems that the apparent relative velocity in the prime system must be smaller. The inverse transform gets a little strange if one can’t assume the exact same relative velocity.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
exmarine said:
Do two inertial observers in relative motion agree on their relative velocity? Velocity is distance per unit time and they don’t agree on the distance or the elapsed time. If the apparent distance in the prime system is shorter and the elapsed time is longer, then it seems that the apparent relative velocity in the prime system must be smaller. The inverse transform gets a little strange if one can’t assume the exact same relative velocity.

Why don't you check this yourself? By definition, the Lorentz transform is constructed so that the world line with ##x' = 0## has ##x = vt##. Can you figure out how to measure the velocity of the spatial origin of the unprimed frame in the primed one?
 
  • #3
exmarine said:
Do two inertial observers in relative motion agree on their relative velocity? Velocity is distance per unit time and they don’t agree on the distance or the elapsed time. If the apparent distance in the prime system is shorter and the elapsed time is longer, then it seems that the apparent relative velocity in the prime system must be smaller. The inverse transform gets a little strange if one can’t assume the exact same relative velocity.

Suppose two inertial observers are in relative motion. If they don't measure the same relative velocity, then which one measures the greater velocity? The one moving left? Or the one moving right? Or, the one you choose to call O'? Of the one you choose to call O (without a prime)?

Is it the one whose clock is running slow? But, to each, it's the other's clock that is running slow and whose lengths are contracted.
 
  • #4
Of course, ultimately, you do not need to know this to derive the inverse formula. Just solve for ##x## and ##t## in terms of ##x'## and ##t'##. It is simply taking the inverse of a 2x2 matrix.
 

Related to Relative Velocity in Lorentz Transform: Agree or Disagree?

1. What is relative velocity in Lorentz transform?

Relative velocity in Lorentz transform is a concept in physics that describes the speed of an object in relation to another object. It takes into account the effects of special relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction, which can change the perceived velocity of an object depending on the observer's frame of reference.

2. How does the Lorentz transform affect relative velocity?

The Lorentz transform is a mathematical equation that describes how time and space are affected by relative motion in special relativity. It accounts for the fact that the speed of light is constant in all inertial frames of reference and therefore changes in relative velocity will result in changes in observed time and distance between objects.

3. Can relative velocity in Lorentz transform be observed in everyday life?

Yes, relative velocity in Lorentz transform can be observed in everyday life. For example, the GPS system on our phones and navigation devices takes into account the effects of special relativity to accurately determine our location on Earth, as the satellites are moving at high speeds relative to us on the ground.

4. Do all observers agree on the relative velocity of an object in Lorentz transform?

No, not all observers will agree on the relative velocity of an object in Lorentz transform. This is because their perceived velocities will depend on their individual frames of reference and the effects of special relativity. However, the fundamental laws of physics, such as the speed of light being constant, will remain consistent for all observers.

5. Is there any experimental evidence to support the concept of relative velocity in Lorentz transform?

Yes, there is ample experimental evidence to support the concept of relative velocity in Lorentz transform. One of the most famous experiments is the Michelson-Morley experiment, which showed that the speed of light remains constant regardless of the relative motion of the observer. Additionally, the results of particle accelerators and other high-precision experiments have also confirmed the predictions of special relativity and the Lorentz transform.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
25
Views
483
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
970
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
4
Replies
123
Views
5K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
813
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
52
Views
4K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
2
Views
853
Back
Top