Purchase Solution

Relativistic Time and Length Dilation

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Two space ships each 100m long when measured at rest travel toward each other at a speed of .85c relative to earth.

a) How long is each ship as measured by someone on earth?

b) How fast is each ship traveling as measured by someone on the other ship?

c) How long is one ship when measured by an observer on the other?

d) At time t=0 on earth the fronts of both ships are together as they just begin to pass each other; at what time on earth are the ends together?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

This solution discusses relativistic time and length dilation.

Solution Preview

(a)
Relativistic contraction along the direction of motion is given by
dx = dx_0*sqrt(1-v^2/c^2)

where dx_0 = 100 m is the proper length (measured in the rest frame of a ship)
Therefore the length of a ship as measured on Earth is

L = 100m * sqrt( 1 - 0.85^2) = 52.6783 m

(b)
The ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Intro to the Physics Waves

Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.

The Moon

Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.

Variables in Science Experiments

How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.

Basic Physics

This quiz will test your knowledge about basic Physics.

Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials

This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.