PLEASE SHOW YOUR WORK. THANK YOU. The gravity of the Earth causes an acceleratio

Question

PLEASE SHOW YOUR WORK. THANK YOU.

The gravity of the Earth causes an acceleration downward of 9.80 m/s2 when there are no significant forces besides gravity. The theory of relativity tells us that this acceleration applies to light as well as objects with mass.
Calculate the distance light falls when it travels the length of a soccer field that is 92 m long.

A. How long does it take a photon (particle of light) to travel the length of the 92 m field. The speed of light is constant and approximately 3.00 × 108 m/s.

The time for light to travel 92 m is ______

B. How far does the light fall in that time due to gravity?
(Assume the light starts at one end of the soccer field with zero vertical velocity.)

The light falls ______ while crossing the soccer field.
For Comparison, the size of an atom is approximately 0.3 nm.
Compare the distance the light falls to the size of an atom:
(Distance)/(Size of atom) =_______

Explanation / Answer

Light is focussed horizontally so horizontal distance equation is

X = V . t

time of travel t = X/ V

t = 92m / (3x10^8) = 3.067x10^-7 s

Now using the kinematic equation for the vertical drop considering initial speed of light is zero so

S = 0 + (1/2) (9.8)(3.067x10^-7)^2

S = 4.601x10^-13 m

b)

Comparing the distance of fall with atom

= 4.601x10^-13 m  / 0.3x10^-9 m

= 0.00154 atomic distance.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse P
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.