Physics Notes - Herong's Tutorial Notes - v3.22, by Dr. Herong Yang
Multiple Reference Frames in Minkowski Diagram
This section provides a demonstration of the invariant spacetime interval property using a Minkowski diagram.
Another nice feature of a Minkowski diagram is that multiple reference frames can be represented in a single diagram.
Here is an example showing an event E in a Minkowski diagram with 3 reference frames:
- Frame (x,ct) is set to be the stationary frame.
- Frame (x',ct') is set to be a moving frame with a speed of 0.6*c.
- Frame (x",ct") is set to be a moving frame with a speed of -0.6*c.
An event E at (X,cT)=(0,4) can be represented in all 3 frames in a single Minkowski diagram showing their corresponding coordinates:
(X, cT )=( 0,4) #17: coordinates in (x,ct) (X',cT')=(-3,5) #18: coordinates in (x',ct') (X",cT")=( 3,5) #19: coordinates in (x",ct")
Table of Contents
Introducion of Frame of Reference
Introduction of Special Relativity
Time Dilation in Special Relativity
Length Contraction in Special Relativity
The Relativity of Simultaneity
►Minkowski Spacetime and Diagrams
What Is Lorentz Transformation?
Constancy of Speed of Light in Minkowski Diagram
Time Dilation in Minkowski Diagram
Length Contraction in Minkowski Diagram
Relativity of Simultaneity in Minkowski Diagram
Invariant Spacetime Interval in Minkowski Diagram