Prof.

David Hilditch Relatividade

Prof. Francisco Duque Week 1 2021/2022

Problem 1: Central Forces

a) Consider a gravitational potential of the form U (~r1 , ~r2 ) = U (|~r1 − ~r2 |). Show that the
force resulting from such a potential is invariant under Galilean transformations.

b) Now consider a potential of the form U (~r1 , ~r2 ) = U (|~r1 |2 − |~r2 |2 ). Show that the force
resulting from such a potential is not invariant under Galilean transformations.

Problem 2: Invariance of the wave equation

Consider the wave equation for a generic function f (t, x)

∂2 1 ∂2
f (t, x) − f (t, x) = 0 (1)
∂x2 c2 ∂t2

a) Show that any function of the form f (t, x) = g(x ± ct) is a solution to this equation.

b) Sketch the form of a solution of this type at a time t = 0 and at a later time. How do you
interpret what is happening?

c) Show that the wave equation is not invariant under Galilean transformations (i.e. going
to a frame with velocity V ).

d) Show that for part c) you can find a new solution to the transformed equation by altering
the speed of propagation such that f (t0 , x0 ) = g (x0 ± (c ± V ) t).

Problem 3: Elastic Collisions and Galilean Invariance

Consider two objects with masses m1 and m2 which collide with each other. Observer A
measures that momentum is conserved in its rest frame. Now suppose another observer B
watches the same event, but is moving with velocity V with respect to the first observer.

a) Under what conditions will observer B also conclude that momentum is conserved?

b) Suppose that observer A also concludes that the collision is elastic. Under what conditions
will observer B reach the same conclusion?