During a wicked thunderstorm, Sam sees two bolts of lightningsimultaneously stri

Question

During a wicked thunderstorm, Sam sees two bolts of lightningsimultaneously strike two points 12.50 m apart. Pam, however,finds that one of these lightning bolts strikes 29.80 ns afterthe first. By astounding coincidence, Pam is traveling exactly inthe direction defined by a line through the two lightningsrtikes.
a) According to Pam, how far apart do the two lightning boltsstrike?
Hint: This problem is MUCH easier to solve usingthe idea of the invariant spacetime interval.
b)
What is the magnitude of the relative velocity between Sam andPam?

Explanation / Answer

v=c*((1-D/D')^2) Where D is Sam's distance and D' is Pam's This is similar to the time dilation formula retooled forvelocity.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse D
• Subjects

---

---

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