A rocket measures 100 m long in its own frame (S') and is travelling at 0.995c relative to a frame S. At the tail of the rocket, a laser sends out a pulse of light which is reflected by a mirror at the nose of the rocket. (a) At what time after emission, measured in S', does the light pulse arrive back at the tail of the rocket? (b) At what time after emission, measured in S, does the light pulse arrive back at the tail of the rocket? (c) What is the spatial distance, measured in S, between the emis- sion of the pulse and its arrival back at the tail of the rocket? (d) At what time after emission, measured in S, does the light pulse hit the mirror? (e) What is the spatial distance, measured in S, between the emis- sion of the pulse and its hitting the mirror? (f) Can you conclude from your answers that the light pulse travelled at a different speed, as seen in S, on its way to the mirror than on the way back? If not, explain your results

A rocket measures 100 m long in its own frame (S') and is travelling at 0.995c relative to a frame S. At the tail of the rocket, a laser sends out a pulse of light which is reflected by a mirror at the nose of the rocket. (a) At what time after emission, measured in S', does the light pulse arrive back at the tail of the rocket? (b) At what time after emission, measured in S, does the light pulse arrive back at the tail of the rocket? (c) What is the spatial distance, measured in S, between the emis- sion of the pulse and its arrival back at the tail of the rocket? (d) At what time after emission, measured in S, does the light pulse hit the mirror? (e) What is the spatial distance, measured in S, between the emis- sion of the pulse and its hitting the mirror? (f) Can you conclude from your answers that the light pulse travelled at a different speed, as seen in S, on its way to the mirror than on the way back? If not, explain your results

Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations and Connections

1st Edition

ISBN:9781133939146

Author:Katz, Debora M.

Publisher:Katz, Debora M.

Chapter39: Relativity

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 8PQ

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