Similar to calculating distance of photon traveling in space?

In summary, the problem involves bullets of mass 1.53 gm being fired in parallel paths at speeds of 244.4 m/s through a hole 1.99 mm. The goal is to determine the distance from the hole at which a 1.77 cm spacing between bullets can be detected in the beam. There is some uncertainty about the exact approach to solving the problem, but the solution involves calculating the wavelength of the bullets and determining the distance to the "screen" to see half of the spread in the beam.
  • #1
adc22
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Homework Statement



Bullets of mass 1.53 gm are fired in parallel paths at speeds of 244.4 m/s through a hole 1.99 mm. How far from the hole must you be to detect a 1.77 cm in the beam of bullets

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I feel as though some crucial information is missing (like a word between "1.77 cm" and "in the beam". Am I missing something here? Can someone just give me a clue on where exactly to start? My professor is not the best at explaining the concept behind the problem sets. Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
OP here.

So I have tried using Hubble's law, but is this the right approach? Should I be thinking about matter waves?
 
  • #3
I imagine that 1.77 cm is the distance between bullets. Is this about resolving some spatial feature at a distance?

Presumably the 1.99 mm is the depth of the hole?

Are you doing something about the uncertainty principle by any chance?
 
  • #4
I figured out the problem. I approached like a single-slit diffraction problem, and after calculating the wavelength of the bullets, calculated the distance to the "screen" to see half of the spread in the beam.

Thanks though. I sort of wish it had been a universe expansion problem!
 

FAQ: Similar to calculating distance of photon traveling in space?

How is the distance of a photon traveling in space calculated?

The distance of a photon traveling in space can be calculated using the formula d = ct, where d is the distance, c is the speed of light (299,792,458 meters per second), and t is the time the photon has been traveling.

What is the speed of a photon traveling in space?

The speed of a photon traveling in space is constant and equal to the speed of light, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum.

Does the distance of a photon in space change over time?

No, the distance of a photon in space remains constant over time, as long as the photon is traveling in a vacuum. This is because the speed of light is constant and the distance is calculated using the speed and time variables.

Can the distance of a photon traveling in space be measured?

Yes, the distance of a photon traveling in space can be measured using advanced instruments and techniques, such as interferometry, which can measure the change in the position of a photon as it travels through space.

How is the distance of a photon in space related to its wavelength?

The distance of a photon in space is directly related to its wavelength. This is because the wavelength of a photon is inversely proportional to its frequency, and the frequency of a photon is directly proportional to its energy. Therefore, the distance a photon travels in space is related to its energy, which is determined by its wavelength.

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