Special relativity question: space travel and relativity of time

In summary, if a person were to embark on a mission to a star system 200 light-years away at a speed of 0.999c, and spend minimal time at the destination before returning to Earth, they would arrive back in the year 2213 and be approximately 29 years old due to time dilation. This is calculated by converting the distance into kilometers, dividing by the speed (299,700 km/s), and then accounting for the time dilation effect.
  • #1
kirsten_2009
137
2

Homework Statement



You are 20 years old and embark on a mission to a star system that is 200 light-years away. Your ship leaves Earth in 2013 and travels at 0.999c. You do not spend much time at the destination, just head back to Earth. What year is it when you arrive back on Earth? How old are you?

Hint: 0.999c = 299,700 km/s =22.4 seconds duration of one “tick” on a moving clock, as measured by an observer past whom the clock is moving

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I converted 200 light years into km = 1.89216 * 1015 km / 299,700 km/s = 6,313,513,514 seconds

then...

6,313,513,514 seconds / 31,536,000seconds/year = 200.200 years

so it would be 2013 + 200.200 years = the year 2213 but my age would be 200.200/22.4 time dilation = 8.9375 + 20 (original age) = 29 years old.

Would that be correct? If not, can someone be so kind and explain to me how it's done? I find this theory very confusing. Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What about the time the return trip takes?
 
  • #3
ah yes! so it would take roughly 400 years but in terms of age then ~18 years older. thank you very much!
 

Related to Special relativity question: space travel and relativity of time

1. What is special relativity and how does it relate to space travel?

Special relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that explains how time and space are relative to the observer's frame of reference. It states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion, and the speed of light is constant in all reference frames. This theory is crucial for understanding the effects of space travel, such as time dilation and length contraction.

2. How does special relativity affect time during space travel?

According to special relativity, time is relative to the observer's frame of reference. This means that the faster an object moves, the slower time passes for it. As space travel involves extremely high speeds, time dilation occurs, causing time to pass slower for astronauts on a spacecraft than for people on Earth. This effect has been observed in real-life space missions, such as the famous "twin paradox" where one twin ages slower than the other after a space journey.

3. Can special relativity explain the concept of time travel during space travel?

No, special relativity does not allow for time travel in the traditional sense. While time dilation does occur during space travel, it is not possible to travel back in time or to the future. Special relativity only explains the effects of time dilation due to high speeds and does not support the concept of time travel as seen in science fiction.

4. Is there a limit to how fast an object can travel in space according to special relativity?

Yes, according to special relativity, the speed of light is the ultimate speed limit in the universe. As an object approaches the speed of light, its mass and energy increase, making it impossible to reach or exceed the speed of light. This concept is known as the "cosmic speed limit" and plays a crucial role in space travel and our understanding of the universe.

5. How does special relativity affect the perception of distances during space travel?

Special relativity also explains the phenomenon of length contraction, where an object's length appears shorter when it is moving at high speeds. This means that during space travel, distances may appear shorter to astronauts than they do to observers on Earth. This effect is essential to consider when planning and navigating long-distance space missions.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
801
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
644
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
810
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
67
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
850
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
969
Back
Top