A.5 Galilean & special relativity HL Flashcards
Reference Frame
A coordinate system used to describe the motion of a body in space-time.
Define Galilean relativity and its significance in classical mechanics
Galilean relativity states that the laws of motion are the same in all inertial frames, emphasizing the relative nature of motion.
Galilean transformation equations?
x′ = x - vt for position, t′ = t for time.
Difference between Galilean and special relativity’s time concept?
Galilean sees time as absolute; special relativity sees it as relative.
Galilean velocity addition formula?
u′ = u - v.
Two postulates of special relativity?
Laws of physics are invariant; speed of light is constant.
Time dilation’s effect on time measurement?
Moving clocks tick slower than stationary ones.
Time dilation formula?
Δt = γΔt₀
Length contraction in special relativity?
Moving objects shorten in their direction of motion.
Length contraction equation?
L = L₀√(1-v²/c²).
Lorentz transformations’ purpose?
Relate space and time coordinates in different inertial frames.
Lorentz vs. Galilean transformations?
Lorentz accounts for speed of light; Galilean doesn’t.
Lorentz factor (γ)’s significance?
Quantifies relativistic effects like time dilation.
What’s the space-time interval?
An invariant combining space and time differences.
Relation of proper time and length to Lorentz transformations?
Measures in object’s rest frame, vary in moving frames.
Space-Time Diagram
A graphical representation of events as points in space-time, showing the relationship between space and time / Visualize events in space and time.
How does special relativity view simultaneity?
It’s relative, depending on the observer’s motion.
Space-time diagrams and simultaneity?
Show how simultaneity varies across reference frames.
Simultaneity
The occurrence of two events at the same time in a given frame of reference; relativity shows that simultaneity is relative.
Relativistic Velocity Addition
The formula used to add velocities in a way that is consistent with the theory of special relativity
World lines in space-time diagrams?
Paths through space-time, showing motion and events.
Depicting time dilation and length contraction in diagrams?
Through world lines’ slope and event spacing.
