Relativistic Rocket Homework: Express T' in Terms of T, v, c

In summary, the observer waits a time T and sends a light pulse towards the rocket. The total time, according to the observer, is T+T_1, where T_1 is the extra time needed for the light to reach the rocket. The time according to the rocket pilot is T' = T*sqrt((c+v)/(c-v)). The observer's calculation is incorrect due to a missing square in the v/c in the gamma factor.
  • #1
Silviu
624
11

Homework Statement


A rocket moving with speed v passes a stationary observer. The observer waits a time T (according to his clock) after the rocket passes and send a pulse of light in the direction of the rocket. The rocket pilot notes that, according to her clocks, the time elapsed between the moment she passes the observer and the moment she receives the light pulse is T'. Express T' in terms of T, v and c.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I first calculated the time needed to receive the pulse from the point of view of the stationary observer (S). According to S, the light is emitted after a time T and in this time (according to S) the spaceship (S') moved a distance ##d=vT##. According to S the extra time needed for the light to reach S' would be ##T_1## such that ##cT_1=vT+vT_1## from where we get ##T_1=\frac{vT}{c-v}## so the total time, according to S would be ##T+T_1=\frac{c}{c-v}T##. To get the time according to S' I just used ##T'=\frac{T}{\gamma}=T\frac{c\sqrt{1-\frac{v}{c}}}{c-v}=\sqrt{\frac{c}{c-v}}##. However the answer in their solution is ##T'=T\sqrt{\frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta}}=T\sqrt{\frac{c+v}{c-v}}##. What is wrong with my reasoning?
 
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  • #2
You are missing a square in the v/c in your gamma factor.
 
  • #3
Orodruin said:
You are missing a square in the v/c in your gamma factor.
Wow, that was really dumb. Thank you for this!
 

1. How do I calculate T' in terms of T, v, and c?

To calculate T' in terms of T, v, and c, you can use the formula T' = T * sqrt(1 - (v^2/c^2)), where T is the time measured by the observer on the rocket, v is the velocity of the rocket, and c is the speed of light.

2. What is the significance of T' in the context of relativistic rocket homework?

T' represents the time experienced by an observer on Earth while the rocket is moving at relativistic speeds. It takes into account the time dilation effect predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity.

3. Is it possible for T' to be greater than T?

Yes, it is possible for T' to be greater than T if the rocket is moving at a velocity close to the speed of light. This is due to the time dilation effect, which causes time to slow down for objects moving at high speeds.

4. How does the velocity of the rocket affect T'?

The velocity of the rocket, represented by v, has a direct impact on T'. As the velocity increases, T' also increases, approaching infinity as v approaches the speed of light. This is because the time dilation effect becomes more significant at higher velocities.

5. Can T' be negative?

No, T' cannot be negative. This is because time cannot flow backwards and the formula for T' only works for values of v less than or equal to c. If v exceeds c, the formula would result in an imaginary number, which does not have a physical meaning.

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