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Debdutta
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Homework Statement
A rod lies at an angle α with the x'-axis of an inertial frame moving at a speed v along the x-axis(x and x' are parallel) of another inertial frame. The rod makes angle β with the x-axis of this frame. Find the relation between α and β.
Variables: α,β,v
and define
γ=1/√1-(v/c)2;
x'=projection of rod along x.-axis with respect to first inertial frame;
z'=projection of rod along z'-axis(perpendicular to x') with respect to first inertial frame;
x=projection of rod along x-axis with respect to second inertial frame;
z=projection of rod along z-axis with respect to second inertial frame;
Homework Equations
Since lengths perpendicular to the relative motion remains unchanged, z'=z;
According to the second inertial frame, the length of the rod along the direction of motion is contracted by a factor of γ. Thus, x=(1/γ)x'.
tanα=z'/x' and tanβ=z/x.
The Attempt at a Solution
Thus, tanβ=γtanα.
The problem is, the answer given in the book is, tanα=γtanβ. I am confused, please help.
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