PHYS 212

HOMEWORK 1 Department of Physics

Bilkent University

Your Name : !layda Şevval Çel!kkaya Your ID Number : 22103544 Due : February 22, upload to Moodle

Note: The textbook is also available online through Bilkent Library.

1. The wave equation describing a classical wave is given as:

∂2 1 ∂ 2f
f− 2 2 =0
∂x 2 u ∂t

Applying Galilean transformations, the above equation takes the following form:

∂2 1 ∂ 2f′ 2 ∂ ∂f′ 1 ∂ 2
f′ − + (v . ) − (v ) f′ = 0
∂x′2 u ∂t
2 ′2 u ∂t′
2 ∂x′ u 2 ∂x′

Here, the primed terms correspond to the terms in the moving coordinate system, v is the
relative speed between frames. We note that the mathematical form of the wave equation
is different in two inertial frames. This should not be surprising, since the wave equation is
not a physical law itself, the new terms simply reflect the fact that the underlying medium
is also moving with respect to the primed coordinate system.

However both equations should describe the same physical reality. We know that har-
monic solutions of the first equation is of the form Cos(k x − ωt), where k = 2π /λ with
λ being the wavelength; ω = 2π /f with f being the frequency (do not confuse this term
with f in the wave equation, it is just an unfortunate naming convention).

It turns out the harmonic solutions of the wave equation in the primed system is also of
the form, Cos(k′x′ − ω′t′) , with corresponding prime terms. Now, argue that preceding
two waves correspond to the same physical reality, and mathematically show that,

(a) λ = λ′. Since this is non-relativistic, distances do not change.

(b) ω′ = | ω − k v | . Note that this is nothing but the Doppler equation!

1
 PHYS 212

HOMEWORK 1 Department of Physics

Bilkent University

2. While the classical wave equation is not a physical law in and of itself, Maxwell’s equa-
tions which describe electro-magnetic phenomena are physical laws. They predict the fol-
lowing equation for light (an inherently relativistic object) propagating in vacuum:

∂2 1 ∂ 2f
f− 2 2 =0
∂x 2 c ∂t

Here, f is the electric field component of light (or its magnetic field component), and c is
the speed of light in vacuum (c ≈ 3 × 108 m/s). If Maxwell’s Equations are laws of physics,
then this equation directly emerging from them can also be considered as such. However,
according to the Principle of Relativity, the law must preserve its mathematical form in a
uniformly moving frame (with respect to the one where the equation is originally written).

Show that indeed, when transformed with Lorentz transformations, the form of the equa-
tion is invariant (Note, while we work with the 1D version, there is no loss of generality).

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 PHYS 212

HOMEWORK 1 Department of Physics

Bilkent University

3. Solve Problem 30 from the textbook “Harris, 2nd edition, Modern Physics”.
Here is the question reproduced for convenience:

4. Solve Problem 29 from the textbook. Here is the question

and Fig. 18 reproduced, but see your textbook for details.

3
Quest!on 1 :

S!nce" both equat"ons should descr"be the same phys!cal real!ty" f COSCKX WH f COSCKX W't
: - = =
= -

-
(*)
From Gal"lean transformat"ons we know that tot' and X = X
-
Xt

Now ,
(*) becomes :
COS(K)' (X Vt) - -
w't
Cos11X-K'yt-W't- COsCK'X-Hw' + K'X)
we cla"m that Coslkx- + (w'+ K'y ) = COS(KX Wt) -

"n order these equal"t"es to hold K = K' , then left-hand s"de Coslx- + (w' + KVI)
:

Lastly ,
to obta"n
equal!ty W = W' + KV = W = /W -KVI

a) "f K K =
,
b) "n our convent"o
-
= x x
z! 4
=
=
Quest!on 2 :
(1)
-
Ef-t f(x
-
>
-
= 0

-
"n frame S2 f(X , t) we know from Lorentz Transformat"ons
:
x = < (X-27) and t =
C(t -

X)

=* EX +Et CVE CE EE 'VE-2VE GE =

-

+ I
+
2)
,

=fEX't t d E Et d! -2 A
3)
= - = +
Cr

Plugg!ng (3) "nto

(2) and (1) :

<

-2 +
ar
f
= -Far/ t

d!y Cr +GV2 Ef Ertes!

=>
= +

=> Plugg!ng
<!
-

Et f! E!t's!nvar!antunderet"ons
=>
=
Quest"on 3 :

a) S"nce " am the

mov!ng system ,
t"me w"ll Pass less then
stat!onary gas stat"on : to <Ame
=

↳ U > 1 so +6) tme

The stat"on clock "s ahead of me
gas .

b) to =

Om =
45
s

testme = Eme =

H(4
4
s"nce 2029x106 :
454 -1 001) EU5-s e

( + X)" = 1 + Uy

tG-tme = 10-13 s ahead

Quest!on 4 :

9
a) 3 x 168
-

[ (0 x 40 x 10 => (0 24
= =

b) X =
12m

4(x 4) <( 9)
-

12 2ux 10
F
+ =
+ -> 0 =
-

= =
0

c) <0. =

=
p
!n!t!ally -
> front clock : -
24 Us

back clock : + ZunS

Anna's or!g!n at += 20 ns . =t = C
/* + *

-20x10 =

5 7 6x0 +
t) =
t = 16 x 15

&
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al
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*

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* . E