A relativistic rocket is measured to be 51 m long, 2.7 m high, and 1.9 m wide by

Question

A relativistic rocket is measured to be 51 m long, 2.7 m high, and 1.9 m wide by its pilot. It is traveling at 0.71 c (in the direction parallel to its length) relative to an inertial observer.

a) What is the length of the rocket as measured by the inertial observer?

b) What is the volume of the rocket according to the pilot?

c) What about the inertial observer?

d) If the rocket and pilot combined has a mass of 25000 kg before launch, what is their kinetic energy according to the inertial observer when they are moving?

Explanation / Answer

a) L = 51 x sqrt [1 - (0.71)2] = 35.914 m

b) V = 51 x 2.7 x 1.9 = 261.63 m3

c) V' =  35.914 x 2.7 x 1.9 = 184.24 m3

d) K.E. = 0.5 x 25000 x (0.71 x 3 x 108)2 = 1.20795 x 1021 J

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