How long does the twin on Earth calculate the journey will take?

Thread starter VitaminK
Start date Apr 6, 2020
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Earth

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The twin on Earth calculates that a spaceship traveling at 0.5 light years per year will take 8.74 years to reach a star system 4.37 light years away, resulting in a total journey time of 17.5 years. According to the time dilation formula, the time experienced by the traveling twin would be 15 years. The calculations appear accurate, but it's suggested to include an additional significant figure for the time dilation result. This discussion highlights the effects of relativistic travel on perceived time for both twins. Overall, the calculations align with the principles of special relativity.

Apr 6, 2020

VitaminK

Homework Statement: Just want to check if I got this right.
A star system is located 4.37 light-years away from us. During an experiment, where one of the twins was left back on Earth while the other one was on a spaceship, heading towards the star system. Assume that the spaceship was traveling at 50% of the speed of light and that the twin traveled to the star system and back.

a) how long will the journey take according to the twin on Earth?
b) how long will the journey take according to the twin on the spaceship?

Relevant Equations: t=to/sqrt(1-(v^2/c^2)), where t= time on Earth and to=time on space ship

a) Speed of the spaceship is 0,5 light years/year. Time that it take to travel to the star system, according to the twin on Earth, is:
4,37/0,5 ¨¨¨¨=8,74 years. Total travel time is 17,5 years

b) time dilation formula gives to= 15 years

is this correct?

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Apr 6, 2020

TSny

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Looks good. (You might want to include another significant figure in your answer for part b)

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