Special relativity of a rocket

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of a rocket traveling to a distant star, where astronauts age 12 years while Mission Control ages 130 years. The calculations utilize the time dilation formula from special relativity, yielding a velocity of 0.9957 times the speed of light (c). The second part of the discussion addresses the distance to the star as perceived by Mission Control, requiring further exploration of basic kinematics to determine travel time and speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts, particularly time dilation
  • Familiarity with the formula for beta (β = v/c)
  • Basic knowledge of kinematics and distance-time-speed relationships
  • Ability to convert light years to seconds for calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of time dilation in special relativity
  • Learn how to apply kinematic equations to relativistic scenarios
  • Explore the concept of Lorentz transformation in physics
  • Investigate the effects of relativistic speeds on mass and energy
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the practical applications of special relativity in space travel calculations.

vorcil
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1)
How fast must a rocket travel on a journey to and from a distant star so that the astronauts age 12.0 years while the Mission Control workers on Earth age 130 years ? c


2)
As measured by Mission Control, how far away is the distant star? in light years


my attempt
1)
Time in moving reference frame = (sqrt(1-beta))*time in inertial reference frame

12/130 = sqrt(1-beta)
12/130 ^2 = 1- beta
12/130^2 = Tn
tn = 1-beta
beta = 1-td
beta = v^2/c^2

converting light years to seconds (1ly = 31556296 seconds)
((12*31556926) / (130*31556926))^2 = 8.520*10^-3
1-(8.520*10^-3) = 0.99147 = beta
v^2/c^2 = 0.99147
sqrt(0.99147*c^2) = v
v/c = 0.9957 c which is 0.9957 as a fraction of the speed of light that the rocket has to be traveling
this was correct

2)
not quite sure how to solve the next one
 
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vorcil said:
my attempt
1)
Time in moving reference frame = (sqrt(1-beta))*time in inertial reference frame

12/130 = sqrt(1-beta)
12/130 ^2 = 1- beta
12/130^2 = Tn
tn = 1-beta
beta = 1-td
beta = v^2/c^2

converting light years to seconds (1ly = 31556296 seconds)
((12*31556926) / (130*31556926))^2 = 8.520*10^-3
1-(8.520*10^-3) = 0.99147 = beta
v^2/c^2 = 0.99147
sqrt(0.99147*c^2) = v
v/c = 0.9957 c which is 0.9957 as a fraction of the speed of light that the rocket has to be traveling
this was correct
Good. Note on terminology: Beta usually stands for v/c, not v^2/c^2.

2)
not quite sure how to solve the next one
According to Mission Control, how fast was the rocket moving and how long did it take to reach its destination? (Use basic kinematics.)
 

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