Questions
Question 1
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State the Lorentz transformation for \(x'\) when \(S'\) moves at speed \(v\) along \(+x\) relative to \(S\).
Question 2
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State the Lorentz transformation for \(t'\).
Question 3
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What happens to \(y\) and \(z\) in the standard Lorentz transformation along \(x\)?
Question 4
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In \(S\), an event occurs at \(x=300\,\mathrm m\), \(t=0\). If \(S'\) moves at \(0.600c\), find \(x'\).
Question 5
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In \(S\), an event occurs at \(x=0\), \(t=2.00\,\mu\mathrm s\). If \(S'\) moves at \(0.600c\), find \(t'\).
Question 6
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Write the inverse Lorentz transformations for \(x\) and \(t\).
Question 7
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In \(S\), an event occurs at \(x=900\,\mathrm m\), \(t=4.00\,\mu\mathrm s\). Frame \(S'\) moves at \(0.600c\). Find \(x'\).
Question 8
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For the same event \(x=900\,\mathrm m\), \(t=4.00\,\mu\mathrm s\), and \(v=0.600c\), find \(t'\).
Question 9
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State the relativistic velocity transformation for motion along \(x\).
Question 10
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A particle moves at \(0.900c\) in \(S\). Frame \(S'\) moves at \(0.500c\) in the same direction. Find \(u_x'\).
Question 11
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A spaceship fires a probe forward at \(0.700c\) relative to the ship. The ship moves at \(0.600c\) relative to Earth. Find the probe speed relative to Earth.
Question 12
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Show that the velocity transformation gives \(u_x'=c\) when \(u_x=c\).
Question 13
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Two spacecraft approach each other. In Earth frame, one has velocity \(+0.700c\) and the other \(-0.700c\). What speed does one measure for the other?
Question 14
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An event has \(x'=0\) in a frame moving at \(0.800c\). Use the inverse Lorentz transformation to show its path in \(S\).
Question 15
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Use the Lorentz transformation to find \(x'\) and \(t'\) for \(x=600\,\mathrm m\), \(t=3.00\,\mu\mathrm s\), and \(v=0.800c\).
Question 16
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Derive the time-difference form of the Lorentz transformation from \(t'=\gamma(t-vx/c^2)\).
Question 17
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Show that the Lorentz transformations reduce to Galilean transformations when \(v\ll c\).
Question 18
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Use velocity addition to show that combining two sub-light speeds in the same direction cannot exceed \(c\).
Question 19
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Explain why Lorentz transformations act on events rather than on objects.
Question 20
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Derive the inverse Lorentz transformation by changing the sign of the relative velocity.