Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 36 - Relativity - Exercises and Problems - Page 1101: 74

Answer

${\bf 16.67}\;\rm \mu s$

Work Step by Step

Let's assume that the Earth's frame is $\rm S$ and the rocket Sirius’s frame is $\rm S'$, where $\rm S'$ moves at a speed of $v=0.6c$, and Orion rocket moves at a speed of $u=0.8c$. Both $v$ and $u$ are relative to $\rm S$. Now we need to use the Lorentz velocity transformation equation to find $u'$ which is the speed of Orion in $\rm S'$ frame. $$u'=\dfrac{u-v}{1-\dfrac{uv}{c^2}}$$ Plug the known; $$u'=\dfrac{0.8c-0.6c}{1-\dfrac{(0.8)(0.6)c^2}{c^2}}=\frac{5c}{13}\;\rm m/s$$ Now we need to find the length of the Orion rocket as measured in $\rm S′$; $$L'=L\sqrt{1-\dfrac{u'^2}{c^2}}$$ Plug the known; $$L'=1000\sqrt{1-\dfrac{\left[\frac{5}{13}\right]^2c^2}{c^2}}=\bf 923.1\;\rm m$$ So for Orion to take completely past Sirius, it had to travel a distance of 1000+923.1=1923.1 m, at a speed of $u'$. Thus, $$u'=\dfrac{L_{tot}}{\Delta t}\Rightarrow \Delta t=\dfrac{L_{tot}}{ u'}$$ $$\Delta t=\dfrac{1000+923.1}{\frac{5}{13}(3\times 10^8)}$$ $$\Delta t=\color{red}{\bf 16.67}\;\rm \mu s$$
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