Physics · Advanced university
Minkowski interval in one spatial dimension
Use the (+,−) sign convention. A negative result is spacelike, not an arithmetic error.
Method and conditions
Use the (+,−) sign convention. A negative result is spacelike, not an arithmetic error.
s² = (cΔt)² − (Δx)²
Worked examples
Two events have cΔt=9 m and Δx=2 m, with no y or z separation. Using s²=(cΔt)²−(Δx)², calculate s². Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed. Answer in m².
Square the time-distance and subtract the squared spatial separation: 9²−2².
77 m²
Two events have cΔt=8 m and Δx=29 m, with no y or z separation. Using s²=(cΔt)²−(Δx)², calculate s². Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed. Answer in m².
Square the time-distance and subtract the squared spatial separation: 8²−29².
-777 m²
Try it
Two events have cΔt=3 m and Δx=39 m, with no y or z separation. Using s²=(cΔt)²−(Δx)², calculate s². Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed. Answer in m².
Two events have cΔt=37 m and Δx=18 m, with no y or z separation. Using s²=(cΔt)²−(Δx)², calculate s². Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed. Answer in m².
Check your work
Answers and marking notes
- -1512 m²
Square the time-distance and subtract the squared spatial separation: 3²−39².
- 1045 m²
Square the time-distance and subtract the squared spatial separation: 37²−18².
Further reading and review references
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