Finding the Lorentz factor for a spacecraft at 0.4c

[Stratosphere]

Homework Statement

A spaceship is going at .4 the speed of light, find its y value.

Homework Equations

i think your suppose to use y=1/$$\sqrt{}1-(v/c)^2$$

The Attempt at a Solution

I got y=7.64*10^11
I also see a chart that says at .4 of c the y should only equal abought 1.
My calculator was also say " Domain Error" I don't know why. Also what exactly does y stand for?

 

[robphy]

http://www.google.com/search?q=1%2Fsqrt(1-0.4^2)

"y" is $$\gamma$$, the so-called "time dilation factor".

 

[Stratosphere]

What units do you measure time dialtion in?

 

[robphy]

What units do you measure time dialtion in?

It's dimensionless. It's a ratio of two times.

 

[DaveC426913]

Yes, your answer will be very close to 1. Time dilation doesn't get very large until you get very close to c.

 

[Stratosphere]

Why do i keep getting Domain error.

 

[robphy]

Why do i keep getting Domain error.

Can you show us explicitly what you type or key in?

 

[Stratosphere]

Never mind I think my calculator was malfunctioning, I just got it to work and got the right answer.