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An astronaut moves in a super spaceship travelling at a speed of 0.64C. The astronaut observes a photon approaching him from space. The speed of photon with respect to the astronaut i s ________ .
  • a)
    1.64 c
  • b)
    c
  • c)
    0.64 c
  • d)
    0.36 c
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
An astronaut moves in a super spaceship travelling at a speed of 0.64C...
Speed of photon = c
The speed of astronaut = 0.64 c
Let the photon and astronaut super spaceship moving along positive and negative directions of x- axis respectively. Let the electron moving with velocity - 0.64c
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Most Upvoted Answer
An astronaut moves in a super spaceship travelling at a speed of 0.64C...
Understanding Relative Velocity of Light
When analyzing the scenario of an astronaut moving at 0.64C (where C is the speed of light) and observing a photon, it is essential to apply the principles of special relativity.
Speed of Light is Constant
- According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the speed of light in a vacuum is always constant at 'c' (approximately 299,792 km/s) for all observers, regardless of their state of motion.
- This means that whether you are stationary, moving at a fraction of the speed of light, or even moving towards a light source, you will still measure the speed of light as 'c'.
Relative Speed Calculation
- The astronaut is moving at 0.64C towards the incoming photon. However, when the astronaut measures the speed of the photon, he will still measure it as 'c', not influenced by his own speed.
- The formula used for combining velocities in special relativity is:
V = (V1 + V2) / (1 + (V1 * V2 / c^2))
Where:
- V1 is the speed of the astronaut (0.64C)
- V2 is the speed of the photon (c)
- Plugging in the values, you will find that the resultant speed of the photon observed by the astronaut remains 'c'.
Conclusion
- Therefore, the speed of the photon with respect to the astronaut is always 'c', regardless of the astronaut's speed.
- This leads to the correct answer being option 'B': c.
Understanding these principles helps to grasp the fascinating implications of traveling at relativistic speeds and the consistency of the speed of light across different frames of reference.
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