PhysRefPhysics reference
Modern Physics
Modern Physics

Relativity of Simultaneity

Δt′=γ(Δt−vΔxc2)\Delta t' = \gamma\left(\Delta t - \frac{v\Delta x}{c^2}\right)

Events that are simultaneous in one frame may not be simultaneous in another. Two events separated in space will have different time separations in different reference frames.

Variables

\Delta t'
Time interval in moving frame
s
\Delta t
Time interval in rest frame
s
\Delta x
Spatial separation in rest frame
m
\gamma
Lorentz factor
unitless
v
Relative velocity
m/s
c
Speed of light
m/s

Derivation

Part of the Lorentz transformation for time coordinates.

Your notes

0/5000

Common questions

What is the Relativity of Simultaneity formula?

Relativity of Simultaneity is written Δt' = γ(Δt - vΔx/c²). Events that are simultaneous in one frame may not be simultaneous in another. Two events separated in space will have different time separations in different reference frames. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Special Relativity.

What are the units in Δt' = γ(Δt - vΔx/c²)?

In SI units, \Delta t' is time interval in moving frame, measured in s; \Delta t is time interval in rest frame, measured in s; \Delta x is spatial separation in rest frame, measured in m; \gamma is lorentz factor (dimensionless); v is relative velocity, measured in m/s; c is speed of light, measured in m/s.

How is the Relativity of Simultaneity formula derived?

Part of the Lorentz transformation for time coordinates. The result is Δt' = γ(Δt - vΔx/c²).