An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 4.5

The Interaction of Light and Matter — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · time-dilation-length-contraction

Problem

An observer PP stands on a train station platform as a high-speed train passes by at u/c=0.8u/c = 0.8. The observer PP, who measures the platform to be 60 m long, notices that the front and back ends of the train line up exactly with the ends of the platform at the same time. (a) How long does it take the train to pass PP as he stands on the platform, as measured by his watch? (b) According to a rider TT on the train, how long is the train? (c) According to a rider TT on the train, what is the length of the train station platform? (d) According to a rider TT on the train, how much time does it take for the train to pass observer PP standing on the train station platform? (e) According to a rider TT on the train, the ends of the train will not simultaneously line up with the ends of the platform. What time interval does TT measure between when the front end of the train lines up with the front end of the platform, and when the back end of the train lines up with the back end of the platform?

Related theory

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