Question

Suppose that you have been chosen for a space mission to a distant planet. Due to the length of time you'll be away from Earth you must carry out physical activity every day. On earth your, strength and conditioning trainer has determined you must do 90 minutes of exercise every day. If the vehicle is travelling at 0.80 c how much time, according to a timer on the space vehicle should you be active to meet your physical activity requirement?

Answer 1

Answer:

I should be active for 15 hours to meet the physical activity requirement.

Explanation:

Since time dilates in moving objects, we use the formula t = t₀/√(1 - β²) where t = time in space vehicle, t₀ = time on earth = 9 hours and β = v/c where v = speed of space vehicle = 0.8c.

So, t = t₀/√(1 - β²)

t = 9/√(1 - (v/c)²)

= 9/√(1 - (0.8c/c)²)

= 9/√(1 - (0.8)²)

= 9/√(1 - (0.64)

= 9/√0.36

= 9/0.6

= 15 hr

So, according to a timer on the space vehicle, I should be active for 15 hours to meet the physical activity requirement.