A Twin Paradox Question, totally lost.

AI Thread Summary
In the twin paradox scenario, Anna travels to planet W, 12 light-years away, at 0.6c and returns, while Bob remains on Earth. Bob ages 60 years during Anna's journey, while Anna ages only 52 years due to time dilation effects. The calculations involve Lorentz contraction, where the perceived distance for Anna is reduced, affecting her travel time. Anna's total journey time is calculated as 19.2 light-years, leading to her age of 52 upon return. The discussion highlights the complexities of understanding time dilation in special relativity.
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Homework Statement



Planet W is 12ly from earth. Anna and Bob are both 20 years old. Anna travels to planet W at 0.6c, quickly turns around, and returns to Earth at 0.6c. How old will Anna and Bob be when Anna gets back?



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I've tried so many things and nothing is working. Apparently Bob is 60 years and Anna is 52 years. I'm completely lost on the idea of twin paradoxes, I could use some serious help. Thank you!
 
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Can you see why it is 60 years for Bob?

For Anna, the distance to W and back is Lorentz-contracted.
 
B/c 24cyrs/0.6c is equal to forty. Therefore you add them and get 60. Then, Anna is 52 years because the total distance that she appears to travel is 19.2? And 19.2cyrs/0.6c is equal to 32. add that to20 and you get 52. I ended up using length contraction. Sorry that was actually pretty easy!
 

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