Converting the Speed of Light into Micrometres/Year for Radical Equation Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stratosphere
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Radical
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the conversion of the speed of light into micrometres per year, framed within the context of a radical equation related to relativity. The original poster presents an equation that appears to involve relativistic effects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different algebraic manipulations of the equation, such as dividing both sides by constants and questioning the notation used for the square root. There is also a suggestion to maintain the speed of light as a variable rather than converting it prematurely.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on algebraic steps and questioning the clarity of the original equation's notation. There is an exploration of different approaches to the problem, but no consensus has been reached regarding the best method to proceed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of relativistic equations and the implications of unit conversions, with some uncertainty about the notation and assumptions in the original problem statement.

Stratosphere
Messages
373
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


86300=[tex]\frac{86400}{1/\sqrt{1-(v/299000000){2}}}[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


When I square each side I get an astronomicly high number.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
hi stratosphere

have you tried dividing both sides by 86400 first?
 
Or, better, dividing both sides by 86300 and then multiplying both sides by that square root.

And, is that
[tex]\sqrt{1- (v/299000000)2}[/tex]
supposed to be
[tex]\sqrt{1- (v/299000000)^2}[/tex]?
 
HallsofIvy said:
And, is that
[tex]\sqrt{1- (v/299000000)2}[/tex]
supposed to be
[tex]\sqrt{1- (v/299000000)^2}[/tex]?

Yah I meant to make it an exponent.
 
If you're attempting to use the relativity equations (I'm guessing to find length contraction?), rather than using metres/second for the speed of light and resulting in astronomically high numbers, or better yet, converting the speed of light into micrometres/year; why not just leave it as c, and after solving for c, substitute whatever unit of measurement you want in place for it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K