What is x' for Moving Rocket from P?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between the coordinates of an event in a moving rocket and a stationary frame of reference. The speaker suggests using the Lorentz transforms to determine the correct coordinates, and concludes that the x' coordinate of the event can be negative if the point is at rest in the unprimed frame. In the provided space-time diagram, event B has a negative x' coordinate of -3 and t' coordinate of 5, when the rocket is moving with a velocity of 0.6 from a starting point of x=0 and t=4.
  • #1
Lotto
240
16
TL;DR Summary
Observer S' is in a rocket that is moving relative to an observer S. Outside his rocket happened an event. How to construe the ##x'## of that event? Can be ##x'## negative?
I have a rocket and it is moving straight from a point P with a velocity ##v##. When I say that ##x'=0## is at the place we sit in the rocket, then when the event happened outside his rocket at the point P, can I say that the coordinate of the event is for him negative, so ##x'=-vt'##, although is it not in his stationary frame of reference?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It depends what the ##x## coordinate of ##P## is which you have not specified, and which frame you are considering ##P## to be at rest in. If ##x=0## and the point is at rest in the unprimed frame then your answer is correct. Generally, you need to use the Lorentz transforms.
 
  • Like
Likes Lotto
  • #3
Yes it can be negative

In the below space-time diagram enter .6 for velocity, 0 for x, 4 for t for event B.

You will see a negative x' for event B, x' = -3, t'=5

http://www.trell.org/div/minkowski.html
 

FAQ: What is x' for Moving Rocket from P?

What is the definition of x in regards to a moving rocket from point P?

The variable x in this scenario refers to the horizontal distance traveled by the rocket from its initial position at point P.

How is x calculated for a moving rocket from point P?

x can be calculated using the formula x = v*t, where v is the velocity of the rocket and t is the time elapsed since it started moving from point P.

Why is x important for understanding the motion of a rocket from point P?

x is important because it helps us track the position of the rocket as it moves from point P. This information is crucial for predicting the rocket's trajectory and ensuring a successful launch.

How does x change as the rocket moves from point P?

As the rocket moves from point P, x will increase or decrease depending on its direction of motion. If the rocket is moving in a straight line, x will increase or decrease at a constant rate. If the rocket is accelerating or decelerating, x will change at a non-constant rate.

Can x be negative for a moving rocket from point P?

Yes, x can be negative if the rocket is moving in the opposite direction from its initial position at point P. In this case, x is measured as a negative value to indicate that the rocket is moving in the negative direction on the horizontal axis.

Similar threads

B Reference frame symmetry in Special Relativity
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
I Is an accelerating frame the same as an inertial frame at a point?
Replies
11
Views
2K
B Another special relativity related "paradox"
Replies
15
Views
2K
B How to measure time in reference frame with clock?
Replies
22
Views
2K
B A difficulty with the equivalence of all inertial reference frames
Replies
28
Views
2K
I Wald synchronous reference frame proof
Replies
27
Views
1K
B Finding the length of a metre stick from a moving frame of reference
Replies
9
Views
2K
I Galilean relativity in terms of homogeneity
2
Replies
51
Views
3K
B How Many Reference Frames Can Be Coincident at the Origin?
Replies
24
Views
2K
I Is time dilation a real effect?
2
Replies
54
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top