What Is Relativity in Physics?

2 replies · 2K views · last reply
dcarmichael
Messages
17
Reaction score
2
Homework Statement
The Principle of the astronomical measurements which indicate that the velocity of light is NOT constant relative to its source can be demonstrated by the following problem. Consider a pair of stars A,B of equal mass in circular orbit about their center of mass, C which is a distance d from earth. Assume that the orbit radius is r , the orbital velocity u and that the line of sight to earth is in the plane of orbit.
I understand where the 2nd term in part II comes from but where does πr/u come from ?
Relevant Equations
n/a
Printed exam question on binary star timing: two diagrams (a) and (b) of a pair of equal-mass stars orbiting a centre of mass C, with radius r, labelled A1, B1, A2, B2, and arrows marked 'To Earth', followed by parts (i) to (iv) below.
Handwritten derivation in blue ink with a sketch of a circular path, a point labelled A, a velocity arrow v and a distance d, followed by equations for travel times T_A2, T_A1 and differences of times, ending with delta t = -2dv/(c^2 - v^2).
 
Attachments
  • Printed physics problem, question 5, with two diagrams (a) and (b) of a pair of stars A and B orbiting their centre of mass C, with radius r, seen from Earth, with arrows showing instantaneous velocities; parts (i) to (iv) ask about light travel times and arrival time differences.
    70929091_2506098386288886_6164546274818260992_n.jpg
    19.7 KB · Views: 224
Welcome to PF.

It takes some time for star ##A## to get from position ##A_1## to position ##A_2##.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: KevinMcCabe and dcarmichael