Relativity - Professor in spaceship examning students

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving time dilation as described by Einstein's theory of relativity. A professor on Earth signals her students in a spacecraft traveling at speed v to start an exam that lasts T_0 (spacecraft time). The solution involves calculating the Earth time interval T using the formula T = T_0√((1 - v/c)/(1 + v/c)), which accounts for the time taken for the light signal to reach the spacecraft. This demonstrates the effects of relativistic time dilation on synchronized events between different frames of reference.

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  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Familiarity with time dilation concepts
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz transformation equations
  • Basic algebra and calculus skills
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  • Study the Lorentz transformation in detail
  • Explore the implications of time dilation in practical scenarios
  • Learn about the twin paradox and its relation to relativity
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Students of physics, educators teaching relativity, and anyone interested in the practical applications of Einstein's theories in modern physics.

azatkgz
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And also check this one.

Homework Statement


A physics professor on the Earth gives an exam to her students.who are in the spacecraft traveling at a speed v relarive to the Earth.The moment the craft passes the professor,she signals to start of the exam.She wishes her students to have time interval [tex]T_0[/tex]( spacecraft time)to complete the exam.Find the time interval T(Earth time) she should wait before sending a light signal telling them to stop.





The Attempt at a Solution


When in spacecraft [tex]T_0[/tex] for professor
[tex]T'=\frac{T_0}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}}[/tex]
[tex]T=T'-\frac{vT'}{c}=T_0\sqrt{\frac{1-v/c}{1+v/c}}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
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seems alright by me, youv'e substracted the time it would take the signal to get to the spacecaraft from the overall time for the exam in the Earth's system.
nice work.
 

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