Time Dilation and the Flawed World Record Attempt: A Physics Explanation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the flawed proposal of an athlete attempting to set a 100m dash world record by having his time measured from a moving spacecraft. The consensus is that this is not a viable idea, as the observer on the spacecraft would measure a longer time interval due to time dilation effects. Additionally, the length of the track would appear contracted to the observer on the spacecraft, further invalidating the attempt. The relevant physics concepts include the Lorentz contraction and the time dilation formula, which are essential for understanding the implications of measuring time and distance in relative motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of time dilation in special relativity
  • Familiarity with Lorentz contraction
  • Basic knowledge of the speed of light (c) and its significance in physics
  • Ability to apply the formula sqrt(1-v^2/c^2) in practical scenarios
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of special relativity, focusing on time dilation and Lorentz contraction
  • Explore the implications of measuring time and distance in different inertial frames
  • Learn about the speed of light as a cosmic speed limit and its effects on relativistic physics
  • Investigate real-world applications of time dilation, such as GPS technology and particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, athletes interested in the science of speed, and anyone curious about the implications of relativity in practical scenarios.

anxmetal
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An athlete has learned enough physics to know that if he measures from the Earth a time interval on a moving spacecraft , what he finds will be greater than what somebody on the spacecraft would measure. He therefore proposes to set a world record for the 100m dash by having his time taken by an observer on a moving spacecraft . Is this a good idea?

My Answer: No, because the observer in the spacecraft would measure a longer time interval not a shorter time interval. Can anyone explain it further?
 
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anxmetal said:
An athlete has learned enough physics to know that if he measures from the Earth a time interval on a moving spacecraft , what he finds will be greater than what somebody on the spacecraft would measure. He therefore proposes to set a world record for the 100m dash by having his time taken by an observer on a moving spacecraft . Is this a good idea?

Not a good idea as the judge on the moving spacecraft would see the track as moving and therefore contracted in Length so the athlete would not have run the full 100 metres. How much contracted I hear you ask well exactly what is required to keep the speed of light constant. The time is reduced by a factor of sqrt (1-v^2/c^2) and the length of the track by the same factor (V being the velocity of the judge with respect to the track and c being the speed of light in vacuum)
 
According to the person on earth, a clock on the spaceship ticks slowly and according to a person on the spaceship, a clock on the Earth ticks slowly (not including the affects of gravity).
 

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