One of a pair of 25-year-old twins takes a round trip through space while the ot

Question

One of a pair of 25-year-old twins takes a round trip through space while the other twin remains on Earth. The traveling twin moves at a speed of 0.94c for a total of 37 years, according to Earth time.

a.)Assuming that special relativity applies for the entire trip (that is, neglect accelerations at the start, end, and turnaround), what are the twins' ages when the traveling twin returns to Earth?

b.) On the trip, how far from Earth did the traveling twin go according to the traveling twin?

c.) On the trip, how far from Earth did the traveling twin go according to the Earth twin?

d.)Which of your answers to parts B and C are proper lengths, if any?

Explanation / Answer

a )

twin earth age = 25 + 37 = 62 years

t ' = to ( 1 - v2 / c2 )1/2

= 37 X ( 1 - 942 )1/2

= 12.623 years

the travelling twin age is = 25 + 12.623

= 37.623 years

b )

distance = speed X time

d = 0.94 c X 12.623

d = 11.8656 c / 2

= 5.9328 c

c )

d = 37 X 0.94 c

d = 34.78 c

d = 34.78 / 2

d = 17.39 c

d )

distance as measured by the Earth twin

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse O
• Subjects

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