The relativity of time: time dilation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around time dilation in the context of special relativity, specifically examining scenarios involving spaceships traveling at significant fractions of the speed of light relative to Earth. Participants explore how time is perceived differently for observers in motion compared to those at rest.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the time dilation formula but expresses uncertainty about the correct assignment of variables. They also question how the direction of travel affects time measurement. Other participants discuss the implications of relative motion on time perception and raise questions about the specifics of the scenarios presented.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the questions posed, with some providing insights into the nature of time dilation and its effects. There is a recognition of the relationship between the two questions, although no consensus has been reached on the specifics of the calculations or interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of confusion regarding the assignment of time variables in the time dilation formula. Additionally, the impact of redshift and blueshift on time measurement is brought up, indicating a need for clarity on these concepts within the context of the problems.

Jbum
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QUESTION #1:

1. suppose a race on Earth was monitored by a spaceship traveling in space at 0.900c relative to the Earth and the space travelers measured the time of the race to be 125.6s. What was the time recorded on earth?

2. t = gamma t' where gamma = 1/ sqrt(1-v squared/c squared)

3. v = 0.900c
t = 125.6s??
t' = ?

I stopped here because I am not sure if I have my ts right. I know how to do all the math, just figuring out which t is which is harder for me in this particular question.

QUESTION #2

1. spacecraft is passing through the solar system at speed of 0.850c relative to earth. what does the captain measure for the number of hours in an Earth day if the spacecraft is moving a) towards Earth and b) away from earth?

2. v = 0.850c
t =?
t' = ?

3. No idea. How does traveling towards or away from Earth affect the number of Earth hours that one measures? that, i do not understand.thanks for the help in advance.
 
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Jbum said:
QUESTION #1:

1. suppose a race on Earth was monitored by a spaceship traveling in space at 0.900c relative to the Earth and the space travelers measured the time of the race to be 125.6s. What was the time recorded on earth?

2. t = gamma t' where gamma = 1/ sqrt(1-v squared/c squared)

3. v = 0.900c
t = 125.6s??
t' = ?

I stopped here because I am not sure if I have my ts right. I know how to do all the math, just figuring out which t is which is harder for me in this particular question.




QUESTION #2

1. spacecraft is passing through the solar system at speed of 0.850c relative to earth. what does the captain measure for the number of hours in an Earth day if the spacecraft is moving a) towards Earth and b) away from earth?

2. v = 0.850c
t =?
t' = ?

3. No idea. How does traveling towards or away from Earth affect the number of Earth hours that one measures? that, i do not understand.


thanks for the help in advance.

Don't put two unrelated question under the same thread...i.e. start a new one for new questions.
 
yes, i am aware of that thanks. i just happened to accidentally post it in the same thread, but did not know how to remove it.
 
They're both time dilation questions, I'd rather not see two topics pertaining to the same concept myself >_>

Keep in mind that on the spaceship in both cases, events on Earth would appear to be happening faster

No idea. How does traveling towards or away from Earth affect the number of Earth hours that one measures?

Does the previous problem even mention if it's going away or towards, or just "relative to"? Did that make a difference?
 
blochwave said:
They're both time dilation questions, I'd rather not see two topics pertaining to the same concept myself >_>


Orignially the post was inside another unrelated topic, hence my comment above. These two question are related but the thread has already be split out by a mentor.
 
They would observe time of Earth's rotations as 24 hours long from either direction because they would have compensated for the redshift/blueshift in their computations.
 

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