Thread: Relativety... Continued

An electron travels in a accelerator tube at a speed of 0.997c relative to Earth. In the frame of reference of the elctron, the length of the tube is 1.20m
(a) What is the length of the tube relative to Earth?
(b) Relative to Earth, how long does it take for the electron to travel the full length of the tube?
(c) In the frame of reference of the electron, what is the speed of the tube?
(d) In the frame of reference of the electron, how long does it take for the full length of the tube to pass the electron?

Sorry if i sound rude, but I am in desperate need of quick help as I am too fluent in the art of procrastination.

there are equations for these types of problems. tried them?

yes.. well we weren't given any formulas from the teacher but from my internet research i think part (a) is L=Lo(gamma)

I can figure out the gamma part but am not sure which is L and which is Lo

Ok so for part A...I determined to be 9.29*10^(-2)m

Can anyone confirm or deny?

For part b i got 2.06*10^-7... while for part c i am still confused

would the answer just be 0.997c?

I'd try these pages:

Start here and after you read it, follow the links to "time dilation" and "Lorentz." There aren't many good introductions to SR on the internet, apparently.

I would *seriously* advise talking to your instructor about any difficulties. SR is a messy topic and you need to make sure you clearly understand each concept and the application of it before you move on to another one.

-Dan