Christian Toureene
Physics w/lab
December 7, 2012
Lesson Fourteen: Mechanics
Exercises:
1. Space-time is the merging of both space and time, recognizes as two parts of a whole.
2. You cannot travel while remaining in one place in space. This is because we travel through time as well as space. Time does not stop unless an object travels at the speed of light.
3. Light travels through space; however, it does not travel through time. Light and time are one and the same: light determines the speed of time and time determines when light will reach a certain place.
4. Time dilation is the process of starching time. It occurs when the rate of moving into the future is altered.
5. The first postulate of special relativity is that the laws of nature are the same for uniformly moving bodies of reference.
6. The second postulate of special relativity says that the value of the speed of light in empty space will never change despite the motion of the source or the motion of the observer.
7. A flash of light is emitted from a source at 300,000 km/s. We call this speed c.
8. If we were to view a “light clock” in a high-speed spaceship, it does not appear to be moving faster. Instead, we see the light of flash bouncing up and down, which creates a diagonal path.
9. If we view a passing spaceship, we usually see that the inhabitants’ time is running slow. Likewise, the occupants inside view our time as running slowly.
12. Using Earth as a frame of reference, it would take a total of 30,000 years to make it from the center of the Milky Way galaxy into our solar system. Due to this impracticality of space travel, interstellar space travel is relegated into science fiction at current times.
21. If you were in a smooth-riding train with no windows, you would not be able to sense a difference between uniform motion and rest because the velocities are relative. In contrast, you would be able to sense a difference between accelerated motion and rest. The sloshing movement of water in a bowl could demonstrate this acceleration.
26. Physically, it is impossible to get younger; however, due to time dilation an individual traveling close to the speed of light would be younger then someone “staying at home.”
28. Since traveling close to the speed of light can allow us to take advantage of time dilation in a way that is consistent with the laws of physics, people in the future may have the option of “century hopping.” Unfortunately, these journeys are impossible to us today. So far, the practicalities of space journeys are prohibitive and it would take to many years to reach certain areas in space.
30. Yes, if the parents were to travel near the speed of light for a few years, they would significantly slow their aging process. Meanwhile, the child would continue to age at a “normal” rate if they stayed on earth. After a few years, the child would be biologically older than his or her parents.
33. If Joe leaves on a space bus and takes a 5-year (space-bus time) round-trip at 0.99c, he will