Special relativity, time dilation and rockets

In summary, two lights are placed 100m apart in the rest frame of the earth. A rocket moving at 3/5c passes point A and the first light turns on. As the rocket passes point B, the second light turns on. The time difference between the events is Δtr on the rocket's clock and Δte on clocks synchronized in the Earth's rest frame. Using the equations Δte = d/v and Δtr = 1/sqrt(1-(v/c)^2)Δte, we can determine that Δte = 5.56 x 10^(-7) s and Δtr = 6.94 x 10^(-7) s.
  • #1
mikep1992
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Homework Statement



Lights are placed at points A and B, which are 100m apart as measured in the rest frame of the earth. As a rocket moving at speed v = 3/5c, passes point A the light turns on. As the rocket passes point B, the second light turns on.
As read on the rockets clock, the time difference between the events was Δtr. Clocks synchronized in the rest frame of the Earth measure a time interval Δte between the events.

a) Determine Δte.
b) Determine Δtr using time dilation.

Homework Equations



Δte = d/v (where d = 100m)

Δtr = 1/sqrt(1-(v/c)^2)Δte


The Attempt at a Solution



Δte = 5.56 x 10^(-7) s
Δtr = 6.94 x 10^(-7) s

However I'm unsure as to whether I've used the right times for the different values of t.
 
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  • #2
looks good to me, i got the same answers
 

What is special relativity?

Special relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that describes the relationship between space and time. It states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion.

What is time dilation?

Time dilation is a phenomenon predicted by special relativity that states time passes slower for objects that are moving at high speeds relative to an observer. This means that time moves slower for a fast-moving object compared to a stationary observer.

How does time dilation affect space travel?

Time dilation plays a crucial role in space travel as it affects the passage of time for astronauts on a fast-moving spacecraft. This means that time passes slower for astronauts compared to people on Earth, which can result in a difference in age when they return to Earth.

Can time dilation be observed on Earth?

Yes, time dilation can be observed on Earth, but the effects are extremely small. It can be observed in experiments involving high-speed particles or in atomic clocks placed in different gravitational fields. However, the effects are only noticeable at extremely high speeds or in extreme gravitational fields.

How does the theory of special relativity impact our understanding of the universe?

The theory of special relativity has had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe. It has revolutionized our understanding of space and time, and has led to the development of many modern technologies such as GPS. It also forms the basis for Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2, which relates energy and mass. Special relativity has been extensively tested and has been shown to accurately describe the behavior of objects moving at high speeds.

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