Introduction to Electrodynamics · Problem 12.1

Electrodynamics and Relativity — David J. Griffiths

Physics · special-relativity-inertial-frames

Problem

Let

\mathcal{S}

be an inertial reference system. Use Galileo's velocity addition rule. (a) Suppose that

\bar{S}

moves with constant velocity relative to

\mathcal{S}

. Show that

\bar{S}

is also an inertial reference system. [Hint: Use the definition in footnote 1.] (b) Conversely, show that if

\bar{S}

is an inertial system, then it moves with respect to

\mathcal{S}

at constant velocity.