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notnewton96
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Homework Statement
Calculate the time taken to colonize the galaxy using an interstellar ark, making very rough approximations and broad assumptions. There are two rules:
1) The propulsion system must be something that already exists, no warp drives etc
2) Once the ark reaches a planet, the colonists forget which direction they came from
Homework Equations
See below
The Attempt at a Solution
This was a question given out a while ago. Our group didn't get very good grades on it so I'm giving it another go. The marks are awarded mostly on the theory of the answer rather than its accuracy.
I've already redone part of the question. I used an average stellar distance of 5ly. Using the rocket equation based on an ion drive with exhaust velocity 50,000ms^-1 and the equations of motion I came up with an average travel time of approximately 20,000 years which I've been told by the lecturer is ok.
But I'm a bit stumped by how the colonists would decide on which direction to head out in after colonizing a planet. Seeing as they have no idea which direction they came from the only option must be heading in a random direction. But how can I represent this mathematically?
I guess an analogy would be a board of switches (the same number as stars in the galaxy) that are all in the off position. The goal is to turn every switch on. The time taken to turn every switch on is approximately 20,000 years. The switches are turned on in a random order. Therefore every now and then the same switch is reached.
My random statistics knowledge isn't too great. So if anyone could point me in the right direction (just noticed how funny that is :P) it would be a great help. Thanks :)
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