How Long Does Light Take to Travel in Different Reference Frames?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the time it takes for light to travel from the tail to the nose of a spaceship moving at 0.8c relative to Earth. In the spaceship's reference frame, the time is calculated as Δt' = 1.0 x 10^-6 seconds. In the Earth's reference frame, using the Lorentz transformation, the time is determined to be t = 1.40 x 10^-6 seconds. The participant expresses difficulty in applying the Lorentz transformations without prior knowledge of length contraction, indicating a gap in understanding the necessary concepts for solving the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts, particularly time dilation and length contraction.
  • Familiarity with Lorentz transformations and their application in different reference frames.
  • Basic knowledge of the speed of light (c) and its implications in relativistic physics.
  • Ability to perform algebraic manipulations involving equations of motion in relativistic contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of Lorentz transformations in special relativity.
  • Learn about time dilation and how it affects measurements in different reference frames.
  • Explore length contraction and its significance in relativistic physics.
  • Practice solving problems involving light propagation in various inertial frames using specific examples.
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Students of physics, particularly those studying special relativity, educators teaching advanced physics concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the implications of relativistic motion on light propagation.

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Homework Statement


A spaceship has a speed of .8c relative to Earth. In its own reference fram, the length of this spaceship is 300m.
a.) consider a light emiited from the tail of this spaceship. In the reference frame of the spaceship, how long does this pulse take to reach the nose>
b.) In the reference frame of the Earth, how long does this take? Calculate this time directly from the motions of the spaceship and the light pulse; hen recalculate it by applying the Lorentz transformations to the result obtained in (a).

Homework Equations


[tex]t =\frac{t' + \frac{Vx'}{c^{2}}}{\sqrt{1-\frac{V^{2}}{c^{2}}}}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I think i have part a figured out.. All i did was divide 300 by c to get [tex]\Delta t' = 1.0*10^-6s[/tex]

b.) For this part, I cannot figure out how to do it without using the Lorentz transform directly like so:
[tex]t' = 1.0*10^-6s...<br /> x' = 300m...<br /> V = .8c[/tex]

[tex]t =\frac{1.0*10^-6s + \frac{.8c(300m)}{c^{2}}}{\sqrt{1-\frac{(.8c)^{2}}{c^{2}}}}<br /> = 1.40 * 10^-6s[/tex]

I cannot do this though without the lorentz transform. We haven't gone over length contraction yet, so I cannot use it to determine the length of the spaceship in Earth's reference frame. If anyone could please help me get started on this I would appreciate it greatly!
 
Last edited:
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I've been trying to manipulate the other lorentz equations ( in specific the ones for x), but i cannot find anything that will work. Once again, If someone could help me out here I would appreciate it
 

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