Why does the azimuthal angle, phi, remain unchanged between reference frames in special relativity?

Bailee Richards

Bailee Richards

Answered question

2022-11-22

Why does the azimuthal angle, ϕ, remain unchanged between reference frames in special relativity?
I think this comes from the aberration formula, showing dependence only on the polar angle, θ.
The aberration formula is:
tan θ = u u | | = u sin θ γ ( u cos θ + v )
where ' indicates a property of the moving frame.

Answer & Explanation

Aurora Hutchinson

Aurora Hutchinson

Beginner2022-11-23Added 10 answers

Actually this happens because we chooses our coordinates in that way, if you will review how aberration formula was derived you will notice that they was choosing the observer velocity to be perpendicular to X Z plane, this is done solely to simplify calculations, you may test that by your hand.
For more intuitive approach for that, is if you are familiar with the basics of Electrodynamics (the source of special relativity historically) you may know that H , E are always in the same plane, and if the observer will move in a perpendicular orientation to that plane, this will cause those vectors to rotate (the angel between them will change) but they will remain in the same plane.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Relativity

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?