How Does Speed Affect Time for a Bomb Threat on a Spaceship?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
2 replies · 3K views
jupiter13
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


In the far future, a spaceship is traveling from Earth to Saturn at 0.1c when it receives a terrorist threat. The crew learns that a bomb will go off in 3 hours. To prolong this time, the captain accelerates the ship to 0.7c. How long do they have to find the bomb now?

Homework Equations


[tex]\Delta[/tex]t'=[tex]\gamma[/tex][tex]\Delta[/tex]t

The Attempt at a Solution


By manipulating the equation, I solved for [tex]\Delta[/tex]t'
3/[tex]\sqrt{1-(0.7)^2}[/tex]= 4.2 hours

Where did I go wrong? Was the Lorentz transform done correctly?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is the bomb and its timer on board the ship? Does increasing your speed change the rate at which your clock runs as far as you are concerned?
 
I can't believe I fell for that...but thank you very much fo your help!