- #1
henrco
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Hi,
Could I please get some guidance on if my approach and solution are correct here.
I feel I'm on the right track. But even though the answer to part b) feels right, it would be helpful to get advice.
A space rocket travels between two stars separated by 10 light years. Observers on satellites orbiting the stars record a duration of 12 years for the journey.
a) What duration is recorded on the rocket’s clocks.
b) What is the separation of the stars in the rocket’s frame of reference? Explain your reasoning.
v = d/t
ε = √1 - v^2/c^2
Calculate the velocity of the space rocket.
Distance and time in light years and years, convert to meters and seconds.
v = d/t
d = 10 light years (1 light year = 9.46 x 10^15 m)
t = 12 years (1 year = 3.156 x 10^7 sec)
v = 10 (9.46 x 10^15 m) / 12(3.156 x 10^7) = 2.50 x 10^8 m/s
c (speed of light) = 2.998 x 10^8
Calculate ε = √1- (2.50x10^8)^2 / (2.998x10^8)^2 = 0.55
Calculate time recorded on internal ships clocks. = 0.55 x 12 = 6.62 years
Answer a) 6.62 years
Part b)
d = t.v = (6.62)(3.156x10^7) x (2.5x10^8) = 5.22318 x 10^16 m
d = 8 light years
Answer b) 8 light years
Could I please get some guidance on if my approach and solution are correct here.
I feel I'm on the right track. But even though the answer to part b) feels right, it would be helpful to get advice.
Homework Statement
A space rocket travels between two stars separated by 10 light years. Observers on satellites orbiting the stars record a duration of 12 years for the journey.
a) What duration is recorded on the rocket’s clocks.
b) What is the separation of the stars in the rocket’s frame of reference? Explain your reasoning.
Homework Equations
v = d/t
ε = √1 - v^2/c^2
The Attempt at a Solution
Calculate the velocity of the space rocket.
Distance and time in light years and years, convert to meters and seconds.
v = d/t
d = 10 light years (1 light year = 9.46 x 10^15 m)
t = 12 years (1 year = 3.156 x 10^7 sec)
v = 10 (9.46 x 10^15 m) / 12(3.156 x 10^7) = 2.50 x 10^8 m/s
c (speed of light) = 2.998 x 10^8
Calculate ε = √1- (2.50x10^8)^2 / (2.998x10^8)^2 = 0.55
Calculate time recorded on internal ships clocks. = 0.55 x 12 = 6.62 years
Answer a) 6.62 years
Part b)
d = t.v = (6.62)(3.156x10^7) x (2.5x10^8) = 5.22318 x 10^16 m
d = 8 light years
Answer b) 8 light years