Hour 22:

Two observer spacetime diagram

Objectives
• Construct two-observer spacetime diagrams.

• Use two-observer spacetime diagrams to

identify simultaneous events according to the
lab frame, and the rocket frame

• Use two-observer spacetime diagrams to

identify events occurring at the same place
according to the lab frame, and the rocket
frame
Recall: Lorentz transformation
Lab frame (t,x) to Rocket frame (t’,x’)

𝑡 ′ = 𝛾𝑡 − 𝛽𝛾𝑥
𝑥 ′ = 𝛾𝑥 − 𝛽𝛾𝑡
Laboratory Frame t' Rocket Frame
t
t’ - axis
t - axis
x’ = 0
x=0
1
𝑡= 𝑥
𝛽

x
𝑂
Laboratory Frame t' Rocket Frame
t
x’ - axis
x - axis
t’ = 0
t=0
𝑡 = 𝛽𝑥

x'

x
𝑂
There is another way to draw t’- and x’- axes.
See challenge problem posted in UVLe.

Additional points will be given.

Deadline: Tuesday, September 29, 2015
 Two-observer spacetime diagram
Laboratory Frame t

Events that happen

in the same place

Events that happen

in the same time

x
𝑂
 Two-observer spacetime diagram
t t'
Rocket Frame
Events that happen
in the same place

Events that happen

in the same time
x'

x
𝑂
Example: Recall Recit 6 yesterday
t

V
x
 Exercise 1! (Use graphing paper)
Suppose Doge is sitting with a lantern in the middle of a
dark school bus with length L. As he lights up the lantern,
Kitty passes by, moving at speed 𝛽 = 2/5 along the
NEGATIVE x-axis.
(1) Draw the t- and x-axes of Doge’s reference frame and
t’- and x’-axes of Kitty’s reference frame. Let the axes
share a common origin.
(2) Draw the world line of the bus if the back of the bus is
located at the spacetime origin. Treat Doge as the lab
frame.
(3) Suppose Doge lights up the lantern at t=0. Draw the
world line of the light from Doge’s lantern.
(4) According to Kitty, which side will be hit by light first?
Length contraction

• Draw rocket frame axes

• Recall: Invariant Hyperbolas
• Intervals now are spacelike: hyperbola flip!
Exercise 2! (Use graphing paper)

Do the same for time dilation

• Draw rocket frame axes
• Recall: Invariant Hyperbolas
 Attendance quiz:

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holiday?