Cosmic ray, relative velocity

For part (b), you'll use the time dilation equation to find the time that has passed for the cosmic ray. Then for part (c), you'll use the length contraction equation to find the thickness of the atmosphere as measured by the cosmic ray. In summary, you will use equations for time dilation and length contraction to calculate the relative velocity of a cosmic ray traveling through the Earth's atmosphere, the time it takes for the journey according to the cosmic ray, and the thickness of the atmosphere according to the cosmic ray.
  • #1
najisalem2009
13
0

Homework Statement


A cosmic ray travels 60km through the Earth's atmosphere in 400μs, as mesured by experimenters on the ground.
a. Calculate the relative velocity between the cosmic ray's intertial reference grame and the Earth's inertial reference frame.

b. How long does the journey take according to the cosmic ray?

c. According to the cosmic ray, how thick is the Earth's atmosphere?

Homework Equations



Time dilation equation
Δt=Δt'/[itex]\sqrt{}1-v²/c2[/itex]

Length contraction
L=L'[itex]\sqrt{}1-v²-c²


The Attempt at a Solution



Answers a) v=0.5c, b) tray=346μs, c) Lray=52km

Im very confused on how to approach this question, can anyone point me in the right direction.
 
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  • #2
Well, part (a) is just asking you to figure out how fast the cosmic ray is moving as measured by the people on Earth. How do you figure out speed given distance and time?
 

What are cosmic rays?

Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that originate from outer space and constantly bombard the Earth's atmosphere.

How are cosmic rays formed?

Cosmic rays are formed when high-energy events, such as supernovas, accelerate particles to very high speeds.

What is relative velocity?

Relative velocity is the velocity of an object in relation to another object. In the context of cosmic rays, it refers to the speed of the particle relative to the observer on Earth.

What is the role of relative velocity in cosmic rays?

Relative velocity plays a crucial role in the energy and direction of cosmic rays. The higher the relative velocity, the more energy the cosmic ray particle will have when it reaches Earth.

Can we manipulate the relative velocity of cosmic rays?

No, we cannot manipulate the relative velocity of cosmic rays as it is determined by the laws of physics and the conditions in outer space.

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