The discussion centers on exam preparation strategies for a physics exam involving concepts of length contraction and time dilation. Participants confirm the correct approach to solving a problem related to the relative velocity of the Orion rocket and the crew of Sirius. Key points include the necessity to account for the lengths of both ships in calculations and the importance of presenting initial attempts for better feedback. The conversation emphasizes understanding the perspective from different inertial frames in special relativity.
PREREQUISITESStudents preparing for physics exams, educators teaching special relativity, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of relativistic effects in physics.
versaknight said:well i have an exam on mon so i ahve been practicing I am not very sure how to do this qn . this seems easy but i want to make sure any help would be greatly appecitated .ITs a pcture[PLAIN]http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216457_217324648278600_100000032007600_930824_4465603_n.jpg[/QUOTE]
Do you have any thoughts on how to approach the problems, so you could give your ideas and people could comment rather than just giving the answers? Are you familiar with the equations for length contraction and time dilation?
Yes, that's the right approach for question (i).versaknight said:yes what i did was calculate the reltive velcocity of the orion rocket with respect to the crew of sirius and i used this velcity to find the contracted length iss that correct
versaknight said:well i don't think so beacuse for orion , sirius will be moving at the same relative speed away from him. since they have the same length, the contracted length will be the same and the time taken will be the same.. that's what i think