Special relativity ~ show that....given this

In summary, the conversation discusses a rod of length L0 moving at a speed v along the horizontal direction at an angle of θ0 with respect to the x'-axis. It then presents two equations to calculate the length of the rod and the angle it makes with the x-axis, showing that the rod is both contracted and rotated. The conversation also mentions the need for a deeper understanding of past concepts and the use of the Lorentz transformation in solving the problem.
  • #1
adamaero
109
1

Homework Statement


A rod of length L0 moves with a speed v along the horizontal direction. The rod makes an angle of θ0 with respect to the x'-axis.
(a) Show that the length of the rod as measured by a stationary observer is given by
L = L0*√[1-(v2/c2)cos2θ0]

(b) Show that the angle that the rod makes with the x-axis is given by the expression
tanθ = γ*tanθ0

These results show that the rod is both contracted and rotated. (Take the lower end of the rod to be at the origin of the primed coordinate system.)

Homework Equations


Length Contraction
https://wikimedia.org/api/rest_v1/media/math/render/svg/c6791c2cda6e3f705aabf1345447c0864e250f38

Pythagorean Thm

sin2x + cos2x = 1

Trig ~ tanθ = opp./adj.

The Attempt at a Solution



I realize now that a mix was needed magic bag of math tricks. The picture alone...
But, honestly, I just looked it up:
http://web.unbc.ca/~hussein/Phys_205_Fall_2004/temp/Phys_205_Ch01.pdf#page=4
Static or Physics I, where were you?
Note to self, look at the general structure of the final equation. (Forget about the Einstein equations for a moment.)
In sum, this problem required deeper understanding of past concepts. It is about the knowledge foundation. A roman room may suffice...but that simple identity would have been lost in einstellung anyway? Is it worth it? I didn't learn it deeply in the first place. ADD is inconvenient.
 
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  • #2
You could use the lorentz transformation on the coordinates for the endpoints of the rod.
adamaero said:
It is about the knowledge foundation. A roman room may suffice...but that simple identity would have been lost in einstellung anyway? Is it worth it? I didn't learn it deeply in the first place. ADD is inconvenient.
... these questions do not make sense.
 

Related to Special relativity ~ show that....given this

1. What is the theory of special relativity?

The theory of special relativity, developed by Albert Einstein in 1905, describes how objects in motion appear differently to different observers and how time and space are relative concepts. It is based on two main principles: the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion, and the speed of light is constant in all inertial frames of reference.

2. How does special relativity differ from classical mechanics?

Special relativity differs from classical mechanics in that it takes into account the effects of high speeds and the properties of light. In classical mechanics, time and space are absolute and the laws of physics are the same for all observers. In special relativity, time and space are relative and the laws of physics can appear different to observers moving at different speeds.

3. Can you give an example of how special relativity is applied in real life?

One example of how special relativity is applied in real life is in the Global Positioning System (GPS). The GPS system uses satellites that orbit the Earth at high speeds, and the clocks on these satellites have to be adjusted for the effects of special relativity in order to accurately calculate positions on Earth.

4. How is the concept of time dilation explained in special relativity?

Time dilation is the phenomenon where time appears to pass slower for objects in motion. In special relativity, this is explained by the fact that as an object's speed increases, the rate at which time passes for that object slows down. This effect becomes more noticeable at higher speeds, such as near the speed of light.

5. Can you prove the equations of special relativity?

The equations of special relativity can be derived from the two main principles of the theory: the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion, and the speed of light is constant in all inertial frames of reference. Using these principles, one can derive the famous equation E=mc^2, as well as equations for time dilation and length contraction. These equations have been extensively tested and have been shown to accurately describe the behavior of objects at high speeds.

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