How long will the journey take according to the twin on Earth?

Thread starter VitaminK
Start date Apr 6, 2020
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In summary, the theory of relativity is a fundamental principle in physics that explains the relationship between space and time. It states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. The twin paradox is a thought experiment that illustrates the effects of the theory of relativity on two twins who are in different frames of reference, one on Earth and one traveling in a spaceship. According to the theory of relativity, time dilation occurs when an object moves at high speeds. This means that time moves slower for the twin on the spaceship than for the twin on Earth. The formula for calculating time dilation in the twin paradox is t = t<sub>0</sub> / √(1 - v<sup

Apr 6, 2020

VitaminK

Homework Statement: Just want to check if I got this right.
A star system is located 4.37 light-years away from us. During an experiment, where one of the twins was left back on Earth while the other one was on a spaceship, heading towards the star system. Assume that the spaceship was traveling at 50% of the speed of light and that the twin traveled to the star system and back.

a) how long will the journey take according to the twin on Earth?
b) how long will the journey take according to the twin on the spaceship?

Relevant Equations: t=to/sqrt(1-(v^2/c^2)), where t= time on Earth and to=time on space ship

a) Speed of the spaceship is 0,5 light years/year. Time that it take to travel to the star system, according to the twin on Earth, is:
4,37/0,5 ¨¨¨¨=8,74 years. Total travel time is 17,5 years

b) time dilation formula gives to= 15 years

is this correct?

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Apr 6, 2020

TSny

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Looks good. (You might want to include another significant figure in your answer for part b)

Related to How long will the journey take according to the twin on Earth?

1. How long will the journey take according to the twin on Earth?

The length of the journey for the twin on Earth will depend on several factors such as the distance between the two planets, the speed of the spacecraft, and the route taken. It is important to also consider the effects of time dilation due to the high speeds involved in space travel.

2. What is time dilation and how does it affect the journey time for the twin on Earth?

Time dilation is a phenomenon in which time appears to pass at different rates for objects moving at different speeds. This means that the twin on Earth may experience a shorter or longer journey time compared to their twin in space, depending on the speed of the spacecraft.

3. Can you give an estimate of how long the journey will take for the twin on Earth?

It is difficult to give an exact estimate without knowing the specific details of the journey. However, using current technology and assuming a distance of 4.3 light years between Earth and the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, it would take approximately 100,000 years to reach it at the speed of our fastest spacecraft.

4. Are there any factors that could significantly affect the journey time for the twin on Earth?

Yes, there are several factors that could affect the journey time for the twin on Earth. These include the speed of the spacecraft, the route taken, any delays or malfunctions during the journey, and the effects of time dilation. Additionally, advancements in technology could potentially decrease the journey time in the future.

5. Is there a maximum distance that a spacecraft can travel in a certain amount of time for the twin on Earth?

Yes, there is a maximum distance that a spacecraft can travel in a certain amount of time due to the limitations of our current technology. However, as technology advances, this maximum distance may increase and allow for longer journeys to be completed in a shorter amount of time.