Time dilation and length contraction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concepts of time dilation and length contraction as described by Einstein's theory of relativity. A spacecraft traveling at 0.95c towards a point 10.4 light years away will experience significant relativistic effects. Earth observers will calculate the travel time to be approximately 11 years, while the spacecraft will experience only about 3.4 years due to time dilation. The calculations involve the reciprocal of gamma, which is derived from the speed of the spacecraft.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Familiarity with the concepts of time dilation and length contraction
  • Basic knowledge of the Lorentz factor (gamma)
  • Ability to perform calculations involving relativistic speeds
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Lorentz transformation equations in detail
  • Learn how to calculate the Lorentz factor (gamma) for various speeds
  • Explore the implications of time dilation in practical scenarios
  • Investigate the effects of length contraction on different objects in motion
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching relativity, and anyone interested in the effects of high-speed travel on time and space.

noone123
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Can someone please clear this up for me?
Lets say the distance of Point A from Earth is 10.4 light years. Some spacecraft is traveling 0.95c.

So. The person in the spacecraft will see Earth contract but Earth will see the spacecraft contract in length too. The thing I'm confused on is who sees the distance of the flight contract(Earth to point A)? Is it the person inside the spacecraft or the Earthlings?

Also for time dilation, Earth will see the spacecraft take around 11 years. Is this right? Then if this is right, the spacecraft will experience less time.
So in the formula, tv is the time seen on Earth which is around 11 years and t0 is time seen in spacecraft will be much less?

Thx. If you can include calculations for me that would be awsome, but an explanation is more than fine.
 
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noone123 said:
Can someone please clear this up for me?
Lets say the distance of Point A from Earth is 10.4 light years. Some spacecraft is traveling 0.95c.

So. The person in the spacecraft will see Earth contract but Earth will see the spacecraft contract in length too. The thing I'm confused on is who sees the distance of the flight contract(Earth to point A)? Is it the person inside the spacecraft or the Earthlings?

Also for time dilation, Earth will see the spacecraft take around 11 years. Is this right? Then if this is right, the spacecraft will experience less time.
So in the formula, tv is the time seen on Earth which is around 11 years and t0 is time seen in spacecraft will be much less?

Thx. If you can include calculations for me that would be awsome, but an explanation is more than fine.
You have everything correct.

You need to calculate the reciprocal of gamma which is the square root of 1 minus the square of the speed which is 0.3122 and multiply that by the time which results in about 3.4 years.
 

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