Δt Alpha Centauri Earth Lo Lo At (a) At, Alpha Centauri (b) Figure 28.11 (a) The Earth-bound observer measures the proper distance between the Earth and the Alpha Centauri. (b) The astronaut observes a length contraction, since the Earth and the Alpha Centauri move relative to her ship. She can travel this shorter distance in a smaller time (her proper time) without exceeding the speed of light.

College Physics
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168000
Author:Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
Publisher:Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
Chapter28: Special Relativity
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 19CQ: The mass of the fuel in a nuclear reactor decreases by an observable amount as it puts out energy....
icon
Related questions
Question

Suppose an astronaut, travels so fast that γ = 30.00 .                                           

(a) She travels from the Earth to the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, 4.300 light years (ly) away as measured by an Earthbound observer. How far apart are the Earth and Alpha Centauri as measured by the astronaut? (b) In terms of c , what is her velocity relative to the Earth? You may neglect the motion of the Earth relative to the Sun. 

Δt
Alpha
Centauri
Earth
Lo
Lo
At
(a)
At,
Alpha
Centauri
(b)
Figure 28.11 (a) The Earth-bound observer measures the proper distance between the Earth and the Alpha Centauri. (b) The astronaut observes
a length contraction, since the Earth and the Alpha Centauri move relative to her ship. She can travel this shorter distance in a smaller time (her
proper time) without exceeding the speed of light.
Transcribed Image Text:Δt Alpha Centauri Earth Lo Lo At (a) At, Alpha Centauri (b) Figure 28.11 (a) The Earth-bound observer measures the proper distance between the Earth and the Alpha Centauri. (b) The astronaut observes a length contraction, since the Earth and the Alpha Centauri move relative to her ship. She can travel this shorter distance in a smaller time (her proper time) without exceeding the speed of light.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 4 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Relativistic speed and time
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168000
Author:
Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
Publisher:
OpenStax College
Modern Physics
Modern Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781111794378
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology …
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology …
Physics
ISBN:
9781305116399
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Inquiry into Physics
Inquiry into Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781337515863
Author:
Ostdiek
Publisher:
Cengage
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:
9781133104261
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics Volume 3
University Physics Volume 3
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168185
Author:
William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:
OpenStax