QQuestionPhysics
QuestionPhysics
Consider a spacecraft that travels round-trip to the Zeta Reticuli star system (distance 39.5 light-years) at 99% of the speed of light. If the round-trip travel time as measured from Earth is 79.8 years, how much time would pass for passengers on the spacecraft?
A) 39.9 years
B) 79.8 years
C) 22.6 years
D) 11.3 years
6 months agoReport content
Answer
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Step 1Let's solve this step by step using special relativity principles:
Step 2: Identify the Given Information
- Round-trip time from Earth's perspective: $$79.8 \text{ years}
- Spacecraft velocity: 0.99c (99% of speed of light)
Final Answer
Key Insights: - Time dilation is a consequence of special relativity - At high velocities, time passes more slowly for the moving object - The faster the velocity relative to light, the more pronounced the time dilation effect
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