Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 36 - Relativity - Exercises and Problems - Page 1100: 63

Answer

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Work Step by Step

$$\color{blue}{\bf [a]}$$ Since the reference frames are in the standard orientation with motion parallel to $x$ and $x'$ axes, $y=y'$. So, $$u'_y=\dfrac{dy'}{dt'}$$ where $t'=\gamma\left[ t-\dfrac{vx}{c^2} \right]$ $$u'_y=\dfrac{dy'}{d\left(\gamma\left[ t-\dfrac{vx}{c^2} \right]\right)}=\dfrac{dy'}{ \gamma dt-\dfrac{\gamma vdx}{c^2} }$$ $$u'_y =\dfrac{dy/dt}{ \gamma -\dfrac{\gamma v }{c^2} \dfrac{dx}{dt} }$$ $$\boxed{u'_y=\dfrac{u_y}{ \gamma \left[1 -\dfrac{v u_x}{c^2} \right] }}$$ By the same approach, $$u_y=\dfrac{dy}{dt}$$ where $t =\gamma\left[ t'+\frac{v x'}{c^2} \right]$ $$u_y=\dfrac{dy}{\gamma dt'+\dfrac{v\gamma dx'}{c^2} }$$ $$u_y=\dfrac{dy'/dt'}{\gamma +\dfrac{v\gamma}{c^2}\dfrac{ dx'}{dt'} }$$ $$\boxed{u_y=\dfrac{u_y'}{\gamma \left[1+\dfrac{vu_x'}{c^2}\right] }}$$ $$\color{blue}{\bf [b]}$$ Let's assume that the Earth's frame is $\rm S$, and the rocket's frame is $\rm S'$, where $v_{\rm S'}=0.8 c$, and we are given that $u_y'=0.6 c$, and $u_x'=0$. In frame $\rm S$, for Earth, the $x$-component of the projectile is given by $$u_x=\dfrac{u_x'+v}{1+\dfrac{u_x'v}{c^2}}$$ Plug the known; $$u_x=\dfrac{0+0.8 c}{1+\dfrac{0}{c^2}}= \color{blue}{0.8c}$$ In frame $\rm S$, for Earth, the $y$-component of the projectile is given by $$u_y=\dfrac{u_y'}{\gamma \left[1+\dfrac{vu_x'}{c^2}\right] }$$ Plug the known; $$u_y=\dfrac{0.6c}{\gamma \left[1+\dfrac{0}{c^2}\right] }=\dfrac{0.6 c}{\gamma}$$ $\gamma=\left[1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}\right]^{-1/2}=\left[1-\frac{0.8^2c^2}{c^2}\right]^{-1/2}=\frac{5}{3}$ $$u_y= \frac{3}{5} (0.6 c)= \color{blue}{0.36 c}$$ Therefore, the projectile’s speed in the earth’s reference frame is then $$u=\sqrt{u_x^2+u_y^2}=\sqrt{0.8^2c^2+0.36^2c^2}$$ $$u=\color{red}{\bf 0.88}c$$
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