Concept explainers
An astronaut is traveling in a spacecraft in outer space in a straight line at a constant speed of 0.500c. Which of the following effects would she experience?
- (a) She would feel heavier.
- (b) She would find it harder to breathe.
- (c) Her heart rate would change.
- (d) Some of the dimensions of her spacecraft would be shorter.
- (e) None of those answers is correct.
The effects experienced by the astronaut.
Answer to Problem 1OQ
Option (e).
Explanation of Solution
The relativistic effects will come into play when the speed of objects or particles closest to the speed of light. Here, in this case the speed is close to the speed of light, can experience considerable relativistic effects for those observers are in non-inertial frame of reference.
Here, the astronaut is in the same reference as in the inertial reference frame. Thus, according to the principle of relativity, all laws of physics are same in the same reference frame as in any other inertial reference frame. Thus, the astronaut should not experience any relativistic effects.
Conclusion:
Therefore, in this case the astronaut is in the same reference frame with respect to the frame which is moving nearly to the speed of light; hence option (e) is correct.
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Chapter 9 Solutions
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
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