Q138 · Practice questionComplex familiar4 marks
QUESTION 138 (4 marks)
A spacecraft has this length in its own rest frame. Earth observers measure it moving at .
a)[2 marks]
Calculate the length measured on Earth.
b)[2 marks]
Explain why the spacecraft crew does not observe their own spacecraft contracted.
WORKED SOLUTION
4 marksPractice marking scheme
ANSWER
The spacecraft is at rest in the crew frame, so they measure the proper length. Length contraction applies to objects moving relative to the observer.
Worked solution
Part (a): . .
Part (b): The spacecraft is at rest in the crew frame, so they measure the proper length. Length contraction applies to objects moving relative to the observer.
Part (a): completes the requested reasoning and obtains a correct result.
Part (b): completes the requested reasoning and obtains a correct result.
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