The relativity of time: time dilation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on time dilation as described by the theory of relativity, specifically addressing two scenarios involving spacecraft traveling at relativistic speeds (0.900c and 0.850c). The first question involves calculating the time recorded on Earth for a race lasting 125.6 seconds as measured by travelers on a spaceship. The second question explores how the speed and direction of a spacecraft affect the perception of time during an Earth day. Key formulas discussed include t = gamma t' and gamma = 1/ sqrt(1-v²/c²).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts
  • Familiarity with the Lorentz factor (gamma)
  • Basic knowledge of time dilation effects
  • Ability to perform calculations involving relativistic speeds
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the Lorentz transformation equations
  • Learn about the effects of redshift and blueshift in relativistic contexts
  • Explore practical applications of time dilation in GPS technology
  • Investigate the implications of time dilation on twin paradox scenarios
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Physicists, students of relativity, and anyone interested in the implications of high-speed travel on time perception.

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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