Age difference problem due to space travel

In summary, the identical twins, Speedo and Goslo, are traveling to Planet X, 19.0 light years away, from Earth. They leave at the same time on different spacecrafts, with Speedo's traveling at 0.945c and Goslo's at 0.625c. The age difference between the twins upon Goslo's arrival on Planet X can be calculated by taking into account time dilation and the Lorentz transform. This means that the time experienced by Goslo and Speedo may not match the elapsed time in the rest frame. Therefore, it is not possible to determine which twin is older based on their arrival times.
  • #1
Erenjaeger
141
6

Homework Statement


The identical twins Speedo and Goslo join a migration from the Earth to Planet X, 19.0 ly away in a reference frame in which both planets are at rest. The twins, of the same age, depart at the same moment on different spacecraft . Speedo's spacecraft travels steadily at 0.945c and Goslo's at 0.625c.

(a) Calculate the age difference between the twins after Goslo's spacecraft lands on Planet X in years.
(b) Which twin is older?


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Not really sure how to attempt this, I am assuming that the speed of the space craft, 0.945c means 0.945 times the speed of light?
this is a guess but would you calculate the time it takes each spacecraft to get to Planet X and then the difference in those times would then be the difference in the twins age ?[/B]
 
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  • #2
Yes, .945c means .945 times the speed of light.
Yes, you can calculate how long it takes (according to the rest frame) for each spacecraft to get to Planet X. But the question is not about elapsed time in the rest frame. It is about the time experienced by Goslo and Speedo.

If you are attempting to work this problem you should have learned something about time dilation and, perhaps, the Lorentz transform. The time elapsed according to Goslo and Speedo need not match the elapsed time according to the rest frame.
 
  • #3
jbriggs444 said:
Yes, .945c means .945 times the speed of light.
Yes, you can calculate how long it takes (according to the rest frame) for each spacecraft to get to Planet X. But the question is not about elapsed time in the rest frame. It is about the time experienced by Goslo and Speedo.

If you are attempting to work this problem you should have learned something about time dilation and, perhaps, the Lorentz transform. The time elapsed according to Goslo and Speedo need not match the elapsed time according to the rest frame.
Nah we have our first relativity lecture tomorrow, I am just trying to get this assignment done and bceause we haven't learned anything about this so far, I am stuck.
 

FAQ: Age difference problem due to space travel

1. What is the age difference problem due to space travel?

The age difference problem due to space travel refers to the phenomenon where astronauts who travel at high speeds for extended periods of time experience a difference in their age compared to individuals on Earth. This is due to the effects of time dilation, which causes time to pass slower for objects in motion.

2. How does time dilation affect age difference in space travel?

Time dilation is a consequence of Einstein's theory of relativity and states that time passes slower for objects in motion. As astronauts travel at high speeds in space, their aging process is slowed down, leading to a difference in their age compared to individuals on Earth.

3. Can the age difference problem be avoided in space travel?

No, the age difference problem is a consequence of the laws of physics and cannot be avoided in space travel. However, the effect of time dilation is only significant at extremely high speeds, such as those achieved in space travel, so it does not have a noticeable impact on our daily lives on Earth.

4. How do scientists measure the age difference in astronauts due to space travel?

Scientists measure the age difference in astronauts by comparing their age to that of individuals on Earth using precise clocks. By measuring the time difference between the two, the effects of time dilation can be calculated and the age difference can be determined.

5. What other effects does time dilation have on space travel?

In addition to the age difference problem, time dilation also affects other aspects of space travel, such as the rate of chemical reactions and the perception of time for astronauts. It is a crucial factor to consider in space missions and must be accounted for in calculations and experiments.

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