Help in Special Theory: Relative Velocity of Spaceships

In summary, the question is about the relative velocity of two spaceships moving towards each other and the time it takes for one spaceship to traverse the length of the other from the perspective of different reference frames. The calculation for relative velocity is La/Tx and time dilation plays a role in the second part of the question. The answer can be found by determining the relative velocity in the first part and using it to calculate gamma in the second part.
  • #1
inkskin
12
0
Here's a weird question where I don't quite know if length contraction or time dilation play a role.

Say I have 2 spaceships moving towards each other. rest length of spaceship A is La and spaceship B is Lb. The pilot in A determines that time taken for the spaceship B to traverse the length of A is T,. What is the relative velocity B wrt A?
Also, according to nose of B, what's the time taken to traverse the length of A?

The way i see it, in the frame of reference of A, the pilot A is at rest, hence relative vel, is La/Tx. Does time dilation play any role at all here?
Also, the second part is just Tx/gamma, right? where gamma can be find once we find the relative vel from part 1

Does this make sense?
 
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  • #2
By "the time taken for spaceship B to traverse the length of A", do you mean the time between when B's nose lines up with A's nose and when B's nose lines up with A's tail? Or do you mean the time between when B's nose lines up with A's nose and when B's tail lines up with A's tail? If you mean the first, then you have the relative velocity calculation right and you can get gamma and everything else from there.
 

1. What is the Special Theory of Relativity?

The Special Theory of Relativity is a scientific theory developed by Albert Einstein in 1905. It explains the relationship between space and time, and how they are affected by the movement of objects in the universe. It also states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion.

2. What is relative velocity in the context of spaceships?

Relative velocity is the speed of one object in relation to another. In the context of spaceships, it refers to the speed of one spaceship in relation to another spaceship or a stationary object. This is important in understanding how objects in motion experience time and space differently.

3. How is relative velocity of spaceships calculated?

The relative velocity of spaceships can be calculated using the formula v = u + w, where v is the relative velocity, u is the velocity of one spaceship, and w is the velocity of the other spaceship or a stationary object. This formula takes into account the direction and speed of each object to determine their relative velocity.

4. What is time dilation in the Special Theory of Relativity?

Time dilation is a phenomenon predicted by the Special Theory of Relativity, where time appears to pass slower for objects in motion compared to objects at rest. This means that time is not constant and can be affected by the relative velocity of objects. This has been proven through experiments and is an important concept in understanding the nature of time and space.

5. How does the Special Theory of Relativity impact space travel?

The Special Theory of Relativity has a significant impact on space travel, as it explains the effects of relative velocity on time and space. This theory has been used to develop technologies such as GPS systems and spacecraft navigation systems, which take into account the effects of time dilation. It also allows us to understand the limitations and challenges of traveling at high speeds in space.

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