How Does High-Speed Travel Affect Time Perception?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the effects of high-speed travel on time perception, specifically through two physics problems involving a jet plane traveling at Mach 4 and a spaceship accelerating at gravitational acceleration (g) for five Earth years. Participants emphasize the importance of calculating Mach 4 as a fraction of the speed of light and applying the time dilation formula to determine the time discrepancy experienced by the pilot. Additionally, the spaceship problem requires understanding relativistic effects over a 20-year journey, necessitating calculations in light years (LY).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity and time dilation
  • Familiarity with Mach numbers and their relation to the speed of light
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (g) and its application in physics
  • Ability to perform calculations in light years (LY)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formula for time dilation in special relativity
  • Learn how to convert Mach numbers to fractions of the speed of light
  • Study the principles of relativistic acceleration and deceleration
  • Explore the implications of traveling at relativistic speeds on time perception
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the effects of high-speed travel on time perception and relativity.

xquarky
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Hello guys,

I have a problem solving these two questions, anybody come up with any idea will be appreciated...

1. A jet plane circles the Earth at the equator with a speed of Mach 4. By how much time is the pilot’s watch slow when it lands?

2. A spaceship leaves Earth for a distant star. It has an acceleration g in its rest system for five Earth years, and then it decelerates at g, coming to rest. It then reverses the process to return to Earth. (Do this problem using light years (LY). Calculate c and g in those units.)

a. How far from Earch does it come to rest?
b. The trip takes 20 Earth years. How many years have passed on Earth?

 
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Welcome to PF!

xquarky said:
anybody come up with any idea will be appreciated...

1. A jet plane circles the Earth at the equator with a speed of Mach 4. By how much time is the pilot’s watch slow when it lands?

Hi xquarky! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Idea: what is Mach4 as a fraction of the speed of light?

and how long is the equator?

and what is the formula for time dilation? :smile:
 

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