All Questions
7
questions
1
vote
3
answers
189
views
Why is $dt/d\tau=\gamma$? What is $dt/d\tau$ supposed to mean exactly?
I'm a math student trying to learn some physics by reading Susskind's The Theoretical Minimum. In the volume on special relativity he derives that $\frac{dt}{d\tau}=\gamma=1/\sqrt{1-v^2}$ and uses it ...
- 23
0
votes
1
answer
257
views
Special Relativity: How do observers measure distance?
Let $(M,g)$ be a flat spacetime, $(\gamma:\mathbb{R}\rightarrow M,e)$ an observer (where $e_1(\lambda)$, $e_2(\lambda)$, $e_3(\lambda)$ together with $\dot{\gamma}(\lambda)$ form the basis of the ...
- 11
1
vote
2
answers
172
views
Minimum separation from the spacetime interval
I've been working through invariant spacetime interval questions recently, and I came across a question in my lecture notes where;
$$\Delta s^2=\Delta x^2 -(c\Delta t)^2 > 0 $$
Now it is clear to ...
- 13
-1
votes
2
answers
310
views
Clearing up a discrepancy when deriving the Lorentz transformation from length contraction
I've been working through the Feynman Lectures on Physics. I'm currently on lecture 15: The Special Theory of Relativity, specifically 15-5, the section on the deriving the Lorentz Transformation ...
0
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Metric of an accelerated reference frame (without gravitation)
If we look at a flat Minkowski space-time (without any gravitation) an choose an accelerated frame of reference, what happens to the metric tensor is it still in Minkowski coordinates or will he be ...
- 1,114
6
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Schutz's geometrical proof that spacetime interval is invariant
I'm trying to understand the proof that spacetime interval is invariant under for any two inertial observers. I know it's easy to arrive at the result using Lorentz transformation but I'm trying to ...
- 777
8
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Why is time-order invariant in timelike interval?
Why do two observers measure the same order of events if we are inside the light cone?
(e.g. if $ds^2 > 0$ time-order is preserved according to the classical mechanics book I am reading, but it ...
- 253