Chapter 36: Q. 45 (page 1060)

The star Alpha goes supernova. Ten years later and $100 l y$ away, as measured by astronomers in the galaxy, star Beta explodes.
a. Is it possible that the explosion of Alpha is in any way responsible for the explosion of Beta? Explain.
b. An alien spacecraft passing through the galaxy finds that the distance between the two explosions is $120 l y$ . According to the aliens, what is the time between the explosions?

Short Answer

Expert verified

a. No it is not possible. The two of them are $100 l y$ away.

b. According to the aliens $67.08 y e a r$ the time between the explosion.

Step by step solution

Part (a) step 1: Given Information

We need to find that possible that the explosion of Alpha is in any way responsible for the explosion of Beta.

Part (a) step 2: Explanation

This is not possible. The two of them are $100 l y$ away, it will take at least $100$ $y e a r$ for any signal to reach the Beta from the alpha. So, the explosion occurred after 10 year, it can't be reason.

Part (b) step 1: Given Information

We have given the distance between the two explosions is $120 l y$ .

We need to find the time between the explosions.

Part (b) step 2: Simplify

Relativity we know that

$\sqrt{{X_{1}}^{2} - C {t_{1}}^{2}} = \sqrt{{X_{2}}^{2} - C {t_{2}}^{2}}$

Now, we have $X_{1} = 100 l y$ and $X_{2} = 120 l y$ , $t_{1} = 10 y$ , the light's speed is $C = 1 l y / y$ . Then we have

$\sqrt{100^{2} - 10^{2}} = \sqrt{120^{2} - {t_{2}}^{2}} \Rightarrow 9900 = 14400 - {t_{2}}^{2} \Rightarrow t_{2} = 67.08$

According to the alien is role="math" localid="1649785366862" $67.08 y e a r$ the time between the explosion.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Part (a) step 1: Given Information

Part (a) step 2: Explanation

Part (b) step 1: Given Information

Part (b) step 2: Simplify

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Force

Linear Momentum

Classical Mechanics

Electricity

Kinematics Physics

Mechanics and Materials

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.