Length Contraction spaceship Problem

[hbrinn]

Homework Statement

A spaceship passes you at a speed of .750c. You measure its length to be 28.2 m. How long would it be when at rest?

Homework Equations

I think the equation that is relevant is L=L(sub0)xsqrt(1-v^2/c^2)

The Attempt at a Solution

L=28.2xsqrt(1-(.75^2))=18.65m
Apparently, the answer is 42.6 m. I can't even imagine how to get 42.6 from that.

 

[collinsmark]

Homework Statement

A spaceship passes you at a speed of .750c. You measure its length to be 28.2 m. How long would it be when at rest?

Homework Equations

I think the equation that is relevant is L=L(sub0)xsqrt(1-v^2/c^2)

The Attempt at a Solution

L=28.2xsqrt(1-(.75^2))=18.65m
Apparently, the answer is 42.6 m. I can't even imagine how to get 42.6 from that.

I think you just got your variables swapped. If you are using

L = L_0 {\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}

then L is 28.2 m, and you need to solve for L_0, the length when the relative velocity is 0. L is the length when traveling at speed v.

 

[hbrinn]

Then by that logic isn't the answer 64.457?

I did 28.2=L(1-.75^2). Is that wrong?

 

[collinsmark]

Then by that logic isn't the answer 64.457?

I did 28.2=L(1-.75^2). Is that wrong?

You forgot to take the square root.

 

[vela]

You forgot the square root.

 

[hbrinn]

Yay! Thank you very much!