Two events occur on the x axis separated in time by $\Delta$t and in space by $\Delta$x.A reference frame, traveling at less than the speed of light, in which the two events occur at the same coordinate: A)exists no matter what the values of $\Delta$x and $\Delta$t B)exists only if $\Delta$x/$\Delta$t c D)exists only if $\Delta$x/$\Delta$t = c E)does not exist under any condition

Question

Two events occur on the x axis separated in time by $\Delta$t and in space by $\Delta$x.A reference frame, traveling at less than the speed of light, in which the two events occur at the same coordinate:
A)exists no matter what the values of $\Delta$x and $\Delta$t
B)exists only if $\Delta$x/$\Delta$t < c
C)exists only if $\Delta$x/$\Delta$t > c
D)exists only if $\Delta$x/$\Delta$t = c
E)does not exist under any condition

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reference frame in which the two events occur at the same coordinate is known as the frame of reference or the rest frame. To determine if this frame exists, we need to consider the ratio of the distance between the events in space and the time between the events. This ratio is given by F1F1F1S1F1F1F10x/F1F1F1S1F1F1F10t. In order for the two events to have the same coordinate in a reference frame, this ratio needs to be less than the speed of light, c. Therefore, choice B is the best choice.

Two Events Occur on the X Axis Separated in Time Δ\DeltaΔ

Two Events Occur on the X Axis Separated in Time $\Delta$