Concept explainers
An astronaut is traveling in a spacecraft in outer space in a straight line at a constant speed of 0.500c. Which of the following effects would she experience?
- (a) She would feel heavier.
- (b) She would find it harder to breathe.
- (c) Her heart rate would change.
- (d) Some of the dimensions of her spacecraft would be shorter.
- (e) None of those answers is correct.
The effects experienced by the astronaut.
Answer to Problem 1OQ
Option (e).
Explanation of Solution
The relativistic effects will come into play when the speed of objects or particles closest to the speed of light. Here, in this case the speed is close to the speed of light, can experience considerable relativistic effects for those observers are in non-inertial frame of reference.
Here, the astronaut is in the same reference as in the inertial reference frame. Thus, according to the principle of relativity, all laws of physics are same in the same reference frame as in any other inertial reference frame. Thus, the astronaut should not experience any relativistic effects.
Conclusion:
Therefore, in this case the astronaut is in the same reference frame with respect to the frame which is moving nearly to the speed of light; hence option (e) is correct.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 9 Solutions
Principles of Physics
- If a spaceship is approaching the Earth at 0.100c and a message capsule is sent toward it at 0.100c relative to Earth, what is the speed of the capsule relative to the ship?arrow_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_forwardSuppose our Sun is about to explode. In an effort to escape, we depart in a spaceship at v = 0.80c and head toward the star Tau Ceti, 12 lightyears away. When we reach the midpoint of our journey from the Earth, we see our Sun explode and, unfortunately, at the same instant we see Tau Ceti explode as well. (a) In the spaceship’s frame of reference, should we conclude that the two explosions occurred simultaneously? If not, which occurred first? (b) In a frame of reference in which the Sun and Tau Ceti are at rest, did they explode simultaneously? If not, which exploded first?arrow_forward
- Spacecraft I, containing students taking a physics exam, approaches the Earth with a speed of 0.600c (relative to the Earth), while spacecraft II, containing professors proctoring the exam, moves at 0.280c (relative to the Earth) directly toward the students. If the professors stop the exam after 50.0 min have passed on their clock, for what time interval does the exam last as measured by (a) the students and (b) an observer on the Earth?arrow_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_forwardCalculate the momentum of a proton moving with a speed of (a) 0.010c, (b) 0.50c, (c) 0.90c. (d) Convert the answers of (a)(c) to MeV/c.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. 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_forwardTwo spaceships approach each other, each moving with the same speed as measured by an observer on the Earth. If their relative speed is 0.70c, what is the speed of each spaceship?arrow_forwardAs seen from Earth, two spaceships A and B are approaching along perpendicular directions. If A is observed by an Earth observer to have velocity uy = 0.90c and B to have a velocity ux = +0.90c, find the speed of ship A as measured by the pilot of B.arrow_forward
- Two powerless rockets are on a collision course. The rockets are moving with speeds of 0.800c and 0.600c and are initially 2.52 × 1012 m apart as measured by Liz, an Earth observer, as shown in Figure P1.34. Both rockets are 50.0 m in length as measured by Liz. (a) What are their respective proper lengths? (b) What is the length of each rocket as measured by an observer in the other rocket? (c) According to Liz, how long before the rockets collide? (d) According to rocket 1, how long before they collide? (e) According to rocket 2, how long before they collide? (f) If both rocket crews are capable of total evacuation within 90 min (their own time), will there be any casualties? Figure P1.34arrow_forwardAn enemy spacecraft moves away from the Earth at a speed of v = 0.800c (Fig. P9.19). A galactic patrol spacecraft pursues at a speed of u = 0.900c relative to the Earth. Observers on the Earth measure the patrol craft to be overtaking the enemy craft at a relative speed of 0.100c. With what speed is the patrol craft overtaking the enemy craft as measured by the patrol crafts crew? Figure. P9.19arrow_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. 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_forward
- Modern PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781111794378Author:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. MoyerPublisher:Cengage LearningPhysics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations...PhysicsISBN:9781133939146Author:Katz, Debora M.Publisher:Cengage LearningPhysics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology ...PhysicsISBN:9781305116399Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based TextPhysicsISBN:9781133104261Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningCollege PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningCollege PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781285737027Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage Learning