Two stars are at rest relative to each other. A spaceship is moving between these two stars at 0.932c relative to each star. To someone in the ship, the distance between the two stars appears to be $26.4 \text { light-years. }$ What is the distance between the stars in their own rest frame?
A)72.8 light-years
B)9.57 light-years
C)21.1 light-years
D)55.4 light-years

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance in the rest frame is longer due to length contraction. Using the Lorentz factor for 0.932c, the rest distance is 26.4 light-years divided by the Lorentz factor, which gives approximately 72.8 light-years.

Two Stars Are at Rest Relative to Each Other 26.4 light-years. 26.4 \text { light-years. }26.4 light-years.

Two Stars Are at Rest Relative to Each Other $26.4 \text { light-years. }$