Calculate the length of a 120m (as measured by the astronaut) spaceship travelling at 0.85c as measured by a stationary observer
The length of the spaceship of 120m was measured at rest relative to the spaceship so we will take that as the proper length, dennoted Lproper
We first calculate the Lorentz factor:
Ɣ = 1/sqrt(1-(v/c)2)
Ɣ = 1/sqrt(1-0.852)
Ɣ = 1.8986... (Keep this number in your calculator as rounding now will affect your final answer)
Now, relate this to the formula for length contraction:
L = Lproper / Ɣ
L = 120/1.8986...
L = 63.2m as measured by the stationary observer
KM
Related Physics A Level answers
All answers ▸What is the maximum length a bungee rope with a spring constant of 100 Nm−1 can be for an 80kg man to be able to jump from 100m above a river without touching the water?
A projectile is fired at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizontal, it reaches a maximum height of 12m above the ground before coming to rest 600m from its initial starting point at the same level. What is the initial speed of the projectile?
how do you calculate the charge of a neuclues compared to an ion?
Why do skydivers have a terminal velocity?