PGRE0877 Q94: Speed of O' Relative to O?

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In summary, an observer at rest between two sources of light observes them flashing simultaneously. However, a second observer moving at a constant speed parallel to the x-axis sees one source flash 13 ns before the other. The question asks for the speed of the second observer relative to the first. The possible answers are 0.13c, 0.15c, 0.36c, 0.53c, and 0.62c. To solve this, we need to use Lorentz transforms.
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zheng89120
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Homework Statement



An observer O at rest midway between two sources of light at x=0 and x =10 m observes the two sources to flash simultaneously. According to a second observer O', moving at a constant speed parallel to the x-axis, one source of light flashes 13 ns before the other. Which of the following gives the speed of O' relative to O?

Homework Equations



Lorentz transforms I think...

The Attempt at a Solution



possible answers are:

A) 0.13c
B) 0.15c
C) 0.36c
D) 0.53c
E) 0.62c
 
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  • #2
I'm not sure how to solve this without Lorentz transforms. Can someone explain it in layman's terms?
 

FAQ: PGRE0877 Q94: Speed of O' Relative to O?

What is the meaning of "PGRE0877 Q94: Speed of O' Relative to O?"

"PGRE0877 Q94: Speed of O' Relative to O" is a question from the Physics GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and it refers to a problem about the speed of an object, denoted as O', relative to another object, denoted as O. This type of question is commonly found on the Physics GRE and is used to test a student's understanding of relative motion and frame of reference.

What is relative motion?

Relative motion is the movement of an object with respect to a frame of reference. It is the motion of an object as seen from a particular point of view or frame of reference. The speed and direction of an object in relative motion is described in terms of its velocity, which is the rate of change of its position with respect to the reference frame.

How do you calculate the speed of an object relative to another object?

The speed of an object relative to another object can be calculated by taking the difference between the velocities of the two objects. If the two objects are moving in the same direction, the relative speed would be the difference between their velocities. If they are moving in opposite directions, the relative speed would be the sum of their velocities. This calculation takes into account the frame of reference and the direction of motion of the two objects.

What is the significance of relative motion in physics?

Relative motion is an important concept in physics as it allows us to understand the movement of objects in different frames of reference. It helps us to describe the motion of objects accurately and predict their behavior. Relative motion is also used in many real-world applications, such as navigation and transportation, where understanding the velocity of objects relative to each other is crucial.

How is relative motion different from absolute motion?

Relative motion is the movement of an object with respect to a particular frame of reference, while absolute motion refers to the movement of an object with respect to a fixed point or absolute reference frame. In relative motion, the speed and direction of an object are described in relation to the frame of reference, whereas absolute motion describes the object's speed and direction in absolute terms, regardless of the frame of reference. Absolute motion is often used in theoretical physics, while relative motion is more practical and applicable in everyday situations.

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