Electrodynamics

Prof. Ulrich Kleinekathöfer

Fall term 2023
Problem set 8, due November 3, 2023, 15.30 pm
to be uploaded to https://elearning.jacobs-university.de

32. Addition of velocities [3 points]

a) Show that within the framework of special relativity, two velocities u and v are added/subtracted
using the below equation
v∓u
v± = .
1 ∓ uv/c2
What happens if one of the two velocities is equal to the speed of light c?
b) Moreover, show the relation
 uv 
γ(v± ) = 1 ∓ 2 γ(u)γ(v) .
c

33. Lorentz transformations [2 points]

Find the matrix describing a Lorentz transformation with velocity v along the x axis followed
by a Lorentz transformation with velocity v̄ along the z axis. Does it matter in what order the
transformations are carried out?

34. Invariant interval [2 points]

Event A happens at point (xA =2, yA =0, zA = 0) and at time tA given by ctA =1; event B occurs at
(5,0,0), ct=3, both in system S.
a) What is the invariant interval between A and B?
b) Is there an inertial system in which they occur simultaneously? If so, find its velocity (mag-
nitude and direction) relative to S.

35. Force between two charges [3 points]

a) Assume a charge q1 is at rest in inertial system S. A second charge q2 flies by at a speed v
on a trajectory parallel to the x axis, but at y = d. What is the electromagnetic force on q2 as it
crosses the y axis.
b) Now study the same problem from system S′ which moves to the right with speed v. What is
the force on q2 when q1 passes the y′ axis?