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 1098: 2

Answer

a) $4\;\rm m/s$ b) $8\;\rm m$

Work Step by Step

Let's assume that at $t=0$, frame $S'$ overlaps with frame $S'$. $$\color{blue}{\bf [a]}$$ Now we need to use the Galilean transformations of position to find $x_1'$ and $x_2'$; $$x=x'+vt$$ So, the first explosion at $t_1$ occurs at the position of $$x=x_1' +vt_1$$ Plug the known; $$x_1 =4+v\tag 1$$ And the second explosion at $t_2$ occurs at the position of $$x_2=x_2'-vt_2$$ Plug the known; $$x_2=-4+3v\tag 2$$ where $x_1=x_2$ since the two events occur in the same place but at different times. Solving (1) and (2); $$4+v=-4+3v$$ $$v=\color{red}{\bf 4}\;\rm m/s$$ $$\color{blue}{\bf [b]}$$ Plug the velocity into (1) to find $x$, $$x=\color{red}{\bf8}\;\rm m$$
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