Two fireworks explode at the same position on the 4th of July. A stationary observer notices that the time interval between the two events was 5.00 seconds. A second observer flies past the fireworks at a speed of 0.600c. What value does she obtain when she measures the time interval between the two explosions?
A)8.33 s
B)6.25 s
C)4.00 s
D)3.00 s
E)5.00 s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The time dilation formula in special relativity is used: $ \Delta t' = \gamma \Delta t $, where $ \gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - v^2/c^2}} $. For $ v = 0.600c $, $ \gamma \approx 1.25 $. Thus, $ \Delta t' = 1.25 \times 5.00 \, \text{s} = 6.25 \, \text{s} $.

Two Fireworks Explode at the Same Position on the 4th