Simple conceptual and calculation relativity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a scenario in special relativity where a person is traveling in a rocket at a significant fraction of the speed of light (0.9c) between two stars that explode simultaneously in the stars' reference frame. The question asks whether the observer in the rocket sees the explosions simultaneously and, if not, which explosion is seen first and the time difference between them.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Exploratory

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of observing events from different reference frames, particularly the rocket's frame versus the stars' frame. There are inquiries about the nature of the "flash" from the explosions and the distances the light from each explosion must travel to reach the observer. Some participants suggest focusing on the rocket's frame to simplify the analysis.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some have provided guidance on how to approach the problem from the rocket's perspective, while others are still grappling with the timing of the explosions and the resulting observations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need to consider the situation from both the rocket's frame and the stars' frame, indicating a potential complexity in understanding the simultaneity of events. Participants express uncertainty about the time difference between the observed explosions.

seto6
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Homework Statement



you are flying your personal rocket craft at v=o.9c from star A to star B. The distance between the stars, in the stars' reference frame is 1.0ly, bother star happens to explode simultaneously in your reference frame at the instance you are exactly halfway between them.
do you see the flash simultaneously? if you do explain how. If you do not, which do you see first and what is the time difference the two flash.


Homework Equations



umm sure non needed.

The Attempt at a Solution



well ik that star B explodes first in rocket frame then star B explodes.(i know the explanation)

im having a hard time finding the time difference!... if some one can give me a hint to approaching the problem it would be good!
 
Last edited:
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help..
 
i am trying my best, it would really be helpfull if someone would help me please and thank you.
 
Why do you have to go from rocket's frame to the star's frame and then go back to the rocket's frame? If the question asks something about the observation in the rocket's frame, it's better to consider the situation in the rocket's frame.
In this frame, you see that when you're right in the middle of the stars, they explode. Then there is "flash". What is this "flash"? What is the flash's speed? From the fact that you're half way between the stars, can you deduce the distance that each flash has to travel to reach you? How is each distance of each flash compared to the other? :smile:
 
What's your explanation for the relative timing of the flashes? (@seto6)

I second hikaru1221's suggestion of looking at the event in the rocket's frame.
 
the stars do explode at the same time in rocket frame but since the person in the rocket is moving towards star B, the person in the rocket will see the star B explode first then star A exploding. there is a delay between the explosion
 
In the rocket's frame, what is the motion of the person in the rocket?
 
i see rockets frame is persons frame there for explode at same time so...change in t =0 correct?
 
If I understand you correctly, yes, that's correct.
 

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