Intergalactic Cruiser: Unraveling Relativity Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Binxie08
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Relativity
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a relativity problem involving an intergalactic cruiser that fires a photon cannon and an ion gun while approaching an alien spacecraft at a velocity of 9.800c. Participants highlight the need to apply Lorentz transformations to solve the problem correctly, as the initial speed mentioned exceeds the speed of light. Clarifications reveal that the intended speed was likely 0.980c, making the calculations more manageable. The conversation emphasizes understanding the equations related to relativistic physics to determine how the aliens perceive the velocities of the laser light and ions. Overall, the thread illustrates the importance of accurate speed representation in relativity problems.
Binxie08
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
What The??

Ok so i came across this relativity problem in my textbook (Physics by Cutnell & Johnson) and i have absolutely no idea what to do:rolleyes: Help please...

An intergalactic cruiser has two types of guns: a Photon cannon that fires a beam of laser light and a ion gun that shoots ions at a velocity of 0.950c relative to the cruiser. The cruiser closes in on an alien spacecraft at a velocity of 9.800c relative to this spacecraft . The captain fires both types of guns. At what velocity do the aliens see (a) the laser light and (b) the ions approach them? At what velocity do the aliens see (c) the laser light and (d) the ions move away from the cruiser.

Eish :biggrin: if i can just get what equations to use..that would also help
Thanks
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Binxie08 said:
The cruiser closes in on an alien spacecraft at a velocity of 9.800c relative to this spacecraft .
Thanks

seems to me you have missed some few articles convincing us that such a speed is possible.

but if you ment 0.98c than its easy

you have to read a little about Lorentz transformations and the equation to use is also there see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorentz_transformation
 
Ah thanks...found it. You're right it is actually easy, whoops
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'
TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'
The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...

Similar threads

Back
Top