This starter is as follows:
One of the most incredible discoveries in human history has been that time is relative rather than absolute. This means that all clocks – digital, mechanical and biological tick at a different speed for someone in motion relative to someone at rest.
For someone travelling at v m/s, the time they experience passing, T_0, compared to a stationary observer, T is given by:
(a) A pilot brings a stop-watch onto a plane. He flies at a constant speed of 300 m/s for 24 hours as measured on his watch. How much more time has passed for a stationary observer on the ground? [note: try this on your GDC first then try Wolfram Alpha].
(b) The Parker Solar Probe (above) is the fastest ever man-made object. It has recorded speeds of 148,000 m/s as it accelerated due to the Sun’s gravity. If this speed was maintained for 10 years, how much time would have passed for a stationary observer on the Earth?
(c) A rocket propelled by a solar sail is regarded as feasible technology and would be able to reach speeds of 30,000,000 m/s. If this was sent on a 100 year mission how much time would have passed for a stationary observer on the Earth?
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