Griffiths Introduction to Elementary Particles · Problem 3.2

Symmetries — David J. Griffiths

Physics — QFT · lorentz-transformations-simultaneity

Problem

(a) Derive equation (3.4). (b) According to clocks on the ground (system SS), streetlights AA and BB (situated 4 km apart) were both turned on at precisely 8:00 p.m. Which one went on first according to an observer on a train (system S′S'), which moves from AA toward BB at 35\frac{3}{5} the speed of light? How much later (in seconds) did the other light go on? [*Note:* As always in relativity, we are talking here about what S′S' *observed*, after correcting for the time it took the light to reach her, not what she actually *saw* (which would depend on where she was located on the train).]

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