Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 26 - The Special Theory of Relativity - Problems - Page 767: 8

Answer

According to you, the trip would take 27 years. According to an observer on Earth, it would take 68 years.

Work Step by Step

Solve for the speed from the length contraction relationship, equation 26–3a. $$\mathcal{l} = \mathcal{l}_{o} \sqrt{1-\frac{ v^{2} } { c^{2} }} $$ $$v=c\sqrt{1-(\frac{\mathcal{l}}{\mathcal{l}_o})^2}$$ $$v=c\sqrt{1-(\frac{25ly}{62 ly})^2}$$ $$v=0.915c $$ Calculate the time from the speed and the contracted distance. $$t=\frac{25ly}{0.915c}=27\;years$$ That is the elapsed time according to you. For an observer on Earth, the answer would be longer. $$t_E=\frac{62ly}{0.915c}=68\;years$$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.