IB Physics HL A 5 13 Hl Space Time Diagrams Questions

Practise IB Physics HL A.5.13 by constructing and reading space-time diagrams to compare events, worldlines, coordinates and light signals between inertial frames.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Physics HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Interpret world-lines, simultaneity lines and intervals on space-time diagrams.
  • Use space-time diagrams to analyse motion, event ordering and relative observations using complete evidence.

IB Physics HL A 5 13 Hl Space Time Diagrams Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

An observer P sitting in a train moving at a speed v measures that his journey takes a time Δtp\Delta t_{\mathrm{p}}. An observer Q at rest with respect to the ground measures that the journey takes a time ΔtQ\Delta t_{\mathrm{Q}}.

According to Q there is an instant at which the train is completely within the tunnel. At that instant two lights at the front and the back of the train are turned on simultaneously according to Q .

Figure for Question IB Physics HL A 5 13 Hl Space Time Diagrams Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

The spacetime diagram according to observer Q shows event B (back light turns on) and event F (front light turns on).

Figure for Question IB Physics HL A 5 13 Hl Space Time Diagrams Questions question 1 — IB Physics HL

Draw the time ct′c t^{\prime} and space x′x^{\prime} axes for observer P's reference frame on the spacetime diagram.

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