Concept explainers
where n is the index of refraction of the water. (Hint: Use the inverse Lorentz velocity transformation and note that the speed of light with respect to the moving frame is given by c/n.) (b) Show that for v << c, the preceding expression is in good agreement with Fizeau’s experimental result:
This proves that the Lorentz velocity transformation and not the Galilean velocity transformation is correct for light.
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Modern Physics
- An observer in a coasting spacecraft moves toward a mirror at speed v relative to the reference frame labeled S in Figure P39.85. The mirror is stationary with respect to S. A light pulse emitted by the spacecraft travels toward the mirror and is reflected back to the spacecraft. The spacecraft is a distance d from the mirror (as measured by observers in S) at the moment the light pulse leaves the spacecraft. What is the total travel time of the pulse as measured by observers in (a) the S frame and (b) the spacecraft?arrow_forwardJoe and Moe are twins. In the laboratory frame at location S1 (2.00 km, 0.200 km, 0.150 km). Joe shoots a picture for aduration of t= 12.0 s. For the same duration as measured inthe laboratory frame, at location S2 (1.00 km, 0.200 km,0.300 km), Moe also shoots a picture. Both Joe and Moe begintaking their pictures at t = 0 in the laboratory frame. Determine the duration of each event as measured by an observer ina frame moving at a speed of 2.00 108 m/s along the x axisin the positive x direction. Assume that at t = t = 0, the origins of the two frames coincide.arrow_forwardAn atomic clock is placed in a jet airplane. The clock measures a time interval of 3600 s when the jet moves with a speed of 400 m/s. How much longer or shorter a time interval does an identical clock held by an observer on the ground measure? (Hint: For , γ ≈ 1 + v2/2c2.)arrow_forward
- Owen and Dina are at rest in frame S. which is moving at 0.600c with respect to frame S. They play a game of catch while Ed. at rest in frame S, watches the action (Fig. P39.91). Owen throws the ball to Dina at 0.800c (according to Owen), and their separation (measured in S') is equal to 1.80 1012 m. (a) According to Dina, how fast is the ball moving? (b) According to Dina, what time interval is required for the ball to reach her? According to Ed, (c) how far apart are Owen and Dina, (d) how fast is the ball moving, and (e) what time interval is required for the ball to reach Dina?arrow_forwardOwen and Dina are at rest in frame S, which is moving at 0.600c with respect to frame S. They play a game of catch while Ed, at rest in frame S, watches the action (Fig. P9.63). Owen throws the ball to Dina at 0.800c (according to Owen), and their separation (measured in S) is equal to 1.80 1012 m. (a) According to Dina, how fast is the ball moving? (b) According to Dina, what time interval is required for the ball to reach her? According to Ed, (c) how far apart are Owen and Dina, (d) how fast is the ball moving, and (e) what time interval is required for the ball to reach Dina? Figure P9.63arrow_forwardA spacecraft is launched from the surface of the Earth with a velocity of 0.600c at an angle of 50.0° above the horizontal, positive x-axis. Another spacecraft is moving past with a velocity of 0.700c in the negative x direction. Determine the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the first spacecraft as measured by the pilot of the second spacecraft.arrow_forward
- An observer in a rocket moves toward a mirror at speed v relative to the reference frame labeled by S in Figure P1.30. The mirror is stationary with respect to S. A light pulse emitted by the rocket travels toward the mirror and is reflected back to the rocket. The front of the rocket is a distance d from the mirror (as measured by observers in S) at the moment the light pulse leaves the rocket. What is the total travel time of the pulse as measured by observers in (a) the S frame and (b) the front of the rocket? Figure P1.30arrow_forwardA spacecraft moves at a speed of 0.900c. If its length is L as measured by an observer on the spacecraft, what is the length measured by a ground observer?arrow_forwardA rod of length L0 moving with a speed v along the horizontal direction makes an angle 0 with respect to the x axis. (a) Show that the length of the rod as measured by a stationary observer is L = L0[1 (v2/c2)cos2 0]1/2. (b) Show that the angle that the rod makes with the x axis is given by tan = tan 0. These results show that the rod is both contracted and rotated. (Take the lower end of the rod to be at the origin of the primed coordinate system.)arrow_forward
- An alien spaceship traveling at 0.600c toward the Earth launches a landing craft. The landing craft travels in the same direction with a speed of 0.800c relative to the mother ship. As measured on the Earth, the spaceship is 0.200 ly from the Earth when the landing craft is launched. (a) What speed do the Earth-based observers measure for the approaching landing craft? (b) What is the distance to the Earth at the moment of the landing crafts launch as measured by the aliens? (c) What travel time is required for the landing craft to reach the Earth as measured by the aliens on the mother ship? (d) If the landing craft has a mass of 4.00 105 kg, what is its kinetic energy as measured in the Earth reference frame?arrow_forwardOwen and Dina are at rest in frame S, which is moving with a speed of 0.600c with respect to frame S. They play a game of catch while Ed, at rest in frame S, watches the action (Fig. P26.45). Owen throws the ball to Dina with a speed of 0.800c (according to Owen) and their separation (measured in S) is equal to 1.80 1012 m. (a) According to Dina, how fast is the ball moving? (b) According to Dina, what time interval is required for the ball to reach her? According to Ed, (c) how far apart are Owen and Dina, and (d) how fast is the ball moving? Figure. P26.45arrow_forward
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