FYKOS Year 30 Series 6 Problem 3 — relativistic Zeno's paradox · FYKOS 30 #30.6.3
Physics · optics
Problem
Superman and Flash decided to race each other. The race takes place in deep space as there is no straight beach long enough on Earth. As Flash is slower, he starts with a length lead l ahead of Superman. At one moment, Flash starts with a constant speed vF comparable with the speed of light. At the moment Superman sees that Flash started, he starts running at a constant speed vS>vF. How long will it take Superman to catch up with Flash (from Superman's point of view)? How long will it take from Flash's point of view? Was the starting method fair? Can you devise a more fair method (keeping the length lead l)?