H3 Time Dilation, Length Contraction

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Gboulton
G
Gboulton
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 18 | Total Attempts: 10,840
| Attempts: 255
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/9 Questions

    A space 100m long space ship travels to planet X which is a distanace of 6E11m from Earth.  It travels at 90% of the speed of light.  How long will this journey take according to the observer on the earth?

    • 1111s
    • 2222s
    • 3333s
    • 4444s
Please wait...
H3 Time Dilation, Length Contraction - Quiz
About This Quiz

Questions on time dilation and length contraction. After a few definitions, then an ongoing question in many parts.

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    A space 100m long space ship travels to planet X which is a distanace of 6E11m from Earth.  It travels at 90% of the speed of light.  What is the value to 2dp of the Lorentz factor (gamma)

    • 1.2

    • 2.3

    • 3.4

    • 4.5

    Correct Answer
    A. 2.3
    Explanation
    The Lorentz factor (gamma) is a term used in special relativity to describe the time dilation and length contraction experienced by objects moving at relativistic speeds. It is given by the equation gamma = 1/sqrt(1 - (v^2/c^2)), where v is the velocity of the object and c is the speed of light. In this question, the spaceship is traveling at 90% of the speed of light. Plugging this value into the equation, we find that gamma is approximately 2.3 when rounded to 2 decimal places.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    A space 100m long space ship travels to planet X which is a distanace of 6E11m from Earth.  It travels at 90% of the speed of light. Who measures the proper length of the journey from Earth to Planet X?

    • Pilot on space ship

    • Observer on the Earth

    • Independent observer

    • Great Galactic time measurer

    Correct Answer
    A. Observer on the Earth
    Explanation
    The observer on Earth measures the proper length of the journey from Earth to Planet X. Since the observer on Earth is stationary and not moving at relativistic speeds, they can accurately measure the distance between Earth and Planet X. On the other hand, the pilot on the spaceship is moving at a high velocity and time dilation effects come into play, causing the length of the journey to appear shorter for the pilot. An independent observer or a Great Galactic time measurer may not have the necessary frame of reference to accurately measure the distance.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    A space 100m long space ship travels to planet X which is a distanace of 6E11m from Earth.  It travels at 90% of the speed of light. Calculate the distnace from Earth to Planet X according to the travelling spaceship?

    • 6E11m

    • 3.31E11m

    • 2.61E11m

    • 1.42E11m

    • 1.21E11m

    Correct Answer
    A. 2.61E11m
    Explanation
    Since proper length is measured by observer on Earth,
    Length = properlength/gamma
    Length = 6E11/2.3

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    A space 100m long space ship travels to planet X which is a distanace of 6E11m from Earth.  It travels at 90% of the speed of light.  Who measures proper time for the journey?

    • Observer on the earth

    • Pilot of space ship

    • Another independent observer

    • The cosmic time keeper

    Correct Answer
    A. Pilot of space ship
    Explanation
    must be the pilot of the space ship since the start and the finish of the journey to him occur at the same place (where he is)

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    A space 100m long space ship travels to planet X which is a distanace of 6E11m from Earth.  It travels at 90% of the speed of light. Calculate the time taken for the voyage according to the pilot of the space ship.

    • 1111s

    • 966s

    • 822s

    • 733s

    • 544s

    Correct Answer
    A. 966s
    Explanation
    since space ship measures proper time,
    time = gamma x proper time
    proper time = time/gamma
    =2222.22/2.3

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    Define proper time.

  • 8. 

    Define proper length

  • 9. 

    Are there any parts of this where you had difficulties, and you need to go over in class?

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 02, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    Gboulton
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.