Four Vectors

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GRE Subject Test: Physics › Four Vectors

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1

A reference frame S' is moving at 0.6_c_ in the z direction with respect to a stationary frame S. An event occurs in S' with the coordinates (x', y', z', ct')=(1, 0, 2, 3). What are the coordinates (x, y, z, ct) of the event with respect to the stationary frame S?

(1, 0, 4.75, 5.25)

CORRECT

(1, 0, 5.25, 4.75)

0

(1, 0, 2.64, 3.3)

0

(1, 0, 3.3, 2.64)

0

(1, 0, 2, 3)

0

Explanation

To apply a Lorentz transformation, we need gamma and beta:

Then, apply the Lorentz transformation:

2

A container of water is carried on a space ship traveling at 60% the speed of light relative to the Earth. From the perspective of an observer on Earth, what is the speed of the light in the water?

CORRECT

0

0

0

0

Explanation

The speed of light through water in a stationary frame is found from the index of refraction of water, which is approximately

To find the relative speed, use the following equation: