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bcjochim07
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Homework Statement
I'm having a tough time with relativity, and I thought I'd try this problem to see if I understood the topic very well.
Let's consider a train moving at 0.65c along a straight track. Its headlight produces a beam with an angular spread of 60 degrees. If you astanding alongside the track (rails are 1.5 m apart), how far from you is the train when you see its approaching headlight suddenly disappear?
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I drew a picture, but I really need a hint on how to get started. I'm thinking about using length contraction somehow, but I just can't get my head around what I need to do.
Here's the best I've got right now: From trigonometry I have x= tan(60)*.75, x = 1.3, and I'm pretty sure this isn't right.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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