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 formula $L = L_0 \sqrt{1 - v^2/c^2}$, where $L$ is the contracted length (26.4 light-years), $v = 0.932c$, and solving for $L_0$, we find $L_0 = 72.8$ 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 $26.4 \text { light-years. }$