Relative Velocity: Deriving Velocity from Time & Distance

In summary, the velocity in the moving frame is given by the difference between the current velocity and the original velocity (which was at the same location but in the original frame). The original velocity is in the form of a Lorentz transform, which is easy to work with.
  • #1
Goodver
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if we know the relations between time and distance at the moving frame and stationary frame why can't we derive the velocity in the moving frame in a such way.

Please point out my mistake. See attachment.
 

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  • #2
You are forgetting the relativity of simultaneity. Mathematically, your expression for velocity is incorrect: ##v=dx/dt \ne dl_0/dt_0##
 
  • #3
DaleSpam said:
You are forgetting the relativity of simultaneity. Mathematically, your expression for velocity is incorrect: ##v=dx/dt \ne dl_0/dt_0##

Thanks! Sorry I could not get where exactly the mistake you mentioned.

v = dx / dt
vo = dxo / dto

is not this correct?

Instead of x I am using l
 
  • #4
L is not x, it is not merely a variable substitution you are doing. It is a completely different quantity.

What is the formula for x? How does that compare to the formula you have for l?
 
  • #5
Sorry my previous responses were perhaps overly brief, my attention was split.

One of the most important things in science is learning what the various equations represent and what the underlying assumptions are for that equation.

The time dilation equation and the length contraction equation are special cases, and do not always apply. The general formula is the Lorentz transform, and I strongly recommend that you use it instead of the shortcut formulas. Here is the Lorentz transform for one spatial dimension:
##t' = (t-vx/c^2)/\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}##
##x' = (x-vt)/\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}##

If you have the quantities ##\Delta t=t_b-t_a##, ##\Delta x=x_b-x_a##, ##\Delta t'=t'_b-t'_a##, and ##\Delta x'=x'_b-x'_a## then it is easy to show that:
##\Delta t' = (\Delta t-v\Delta x/c^2)/\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}##
##\Delta x' = (\Delta x-v\Delta t)/\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}##

If ##\Delta x = 0##, then you get the time dilation formula that you posted, however, in this problem ##\Delta x\ne 0##, so the time dilation formula does not apply. Similarly, the length contraction formula assumes that the object whose length is being measured is at rest in one of the frames, and since the runner is not at rest in either frame the length contraction formula also does not apply.

Instead, we have ##v_0=\Delta x/\Delta t##. In the other frame we have:
$$v'_0=\frac{\Delta x'}{\Delta t'} = \frac{(\Delta x-v\Delta t)/\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}}{(\Delta t-v\Delta x/c^2)/\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}} = \frac{v_0\Delta t-v\Delta t}{\Delta t-v \, v_0\Delta t/c^2} = \frac{v_0-v}{1-v_0 v/c^2} $$
 
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FAQ: Relative Velocity: Deriving Velocity from Time & Distance

How is relative velocity defined?

Relative velocity is the velocity of an object with respect to another object or frame of reference. It is the difference between the velocities of the two objects.

How do you calculate relative velocity?

To calculate relative velocity, you need to determine the velocities of the two objects and then subtract them. This can be done using the formula: relative velocity = velocity of object 1 - velocity of object 2.

Can relative velocity be negative?

Yes, relative velocity can be negative. This occurs when the two objects are moving in opposite directions, resulting in a negative value for their difference in velocities.

What is the difference between relative velocity and absolute velocity?

Absolute velocity is the velocity of an object with respect to a fixed reference point, while relative velocity is the velocity of an object with respect to another object or frame of reference. Absolute velocity is constant, while relative velocity can change depending on the reference point chosen.

How does time and distance affect relative velocity?

Time and distance play a crucial role in determining relative velocity. The relative velocity between two objects can be calculated by dividing the distance between them by the time it takes for one object to catch up with the other. The longer the distance or the shorter the time, the higher the relative velocity will be.

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