Chapter 26: Special Theory of Relativity
Physlet® Problems


1.  


Select a relative velocity, v/c:

Two measuring sticks pass close by each other with relative speeds comparable to the speed of light.  A light flash occurs when the right ends of the sticks coincide, event 1, and again when the left ends coincide, event 2.  Which of the following is true for all relative velocities?  You can view the events in either the green reference frame or the red reference frame.
There is a unique speed when the events are simultaneous in both reference frames
Event 1 always occurs before event 2.
At a given speed, both the red and green observers will always agree on which event occurred first.
None of the above.

2.  


A spaceship flies close to a space beacon at 70% of the speed of light.. The beacon emits light flashes as shown in the animation.   What is the time difference between these light flashes as seen by an observer inside the space ship?   The time shown in the upper left hand corner is the time as measured in the reference frame of the beacon.  Start
0.07 s
0.11 s
0.15 s
0.21 s


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