Twin paradox spaceship problem

In summary, the conversation discusses the coordinates and ages of three individuals: Anna, Bob, and Carl. Anna is born on a spaceship traveling at 0.9c and passes Earth at event A. Meanwhile, Bob is born on Earth at the same time and Planet Z is 45 ly away in his rest frame. Anna also passes Planet Z at event B. Carl is born on a spaceship traveling towards Earth at 0.9c and also passes Planet Z at event B, but he ages differently due to his different frame of reference. Event C is when Carl passes Earth. The conversation poses several questions, including the coordinates of events A, B, and C in the rest frames of Anna, Bob, and Carl, the
  • #1
Lucille
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Homework Statement


Anna is born in a spaceship, Bob is born on Earth (at the same time t=t'=0) just as Anna's spaceship passes Earth at 0.9c (EVENT A)

Planet Z is 45 ly away at rest in Bob's frame. Anna flies past plant Z (event B)

Meanwhile, Carl was born at the same time (t=t'=t''=0) on a spaceship traveling 0.9c towards Earth and passes planet z at event b

event C is when he passes earth.

bobs frame: x,ct
anna's: x',ct'
carl's: x'',ct''

a) what are the coordinates of a,b,c in the rest frames of anna, bob, carl
b) how old is bob in his rest frame when carl passes earth?
c) what is the sum of anna's age when she passes planet Z with the amount carl ages in going from planet z to Earth as measured in x,ct
d)what is the sum of anna's age when she passes planet z as in her rest frame with the amount carl ages going from planet z to Earth in his rest frame?

Homework Equations


x'=gamma(x-vt)
t'=gamma (-v/c^2*x + t)

The Attempt at a Solution


a)

Anna's frame
A (0,0)
B <-- I'm not sure how to get to this using the 45 ly from bob's frame :/

This question as a whole confuses me, I'm not sure where to start.
 
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  • #2
Here is my space time diagram

Phys.jpg
 

1. What is the "Twin Paradox" spaceship problem?

The "Twin Paradox" spaceship problem is a thought experiment in special relativity that explores the idea of time dilation and the effects of traveling at high speeds. It involves two identical twins, one who stays on Earth and one who travels into space at near-light speeds, and the paradox arises when the traveling twin returns to Earth and is younger than the twin who stayed on Earth.

2. How does time dilation occur in the Twin Paradox spaceship problem?

Time dilation occurs in the Twin Paradox spaceship problem because of the theory of special relativity, which states that time moves slower for objects that are moving at high speeds. This means that the twin who travels at near-light speeds will experience time passing slower than the twin who stays on Earth. As a result, the traveling twin will return to Earth younger than the twin who stayed behind.

3. What is the resolution to the Twin Paradox spaceship problem?

The resolution to the Twin Paradox spaceship problem lies in the fact that the traveling twin experiences acceleration and deceleration when changing direction, which affects their perception of time. This is known as the twin's "reference frame" and it causes a difference in the amount of time that has passed for each twin. Therefore, the traveling twin's time on the spaceship is not equivalent to the time experienced by the twin on Earth, even though they both have clocks that are ticking at the same rate.

4. Can the Twin Paradox spaceship problem be observed in real life?

No, the Twin Paradox spaceship problem is a thought experiment and cannot be observed in real life. It is used to illustrate the principles of special relativity and time dilation, which have been validated through experiments and observations in the field of physics. However, there are real-life examples of time dilation, such as the effect on atomic clocks on satellites in orbit, which have been shown to experience slower time due to their high speeds.

5. Is the Twin Paradox spaceship problem still relevant in modern physics?

Yes, the Twin Paradox spaceship problem is still relevant in modern physics as it helps us understand the principles of special relativity and the effects of time dilation. It has also been used to develop theories and equations that have been proven to be accurate in predicting the behavior of objects moving at high speeds. Additionally, it has sparked further research and discussions on the concept of time and its relationship with space and motion.

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