The graph above shows the relativity of space. Suppose that Velma is riding in a spaceship that is 100 m long and 10 m high as measured by Velma. Roughly how fast must she be moving past Mort in order for Mort to measure her spaceship's length to be 50 meters?
A) about 0.8c
B) about 0.4c
C) about 0.87c
D) about 0.92c
E) Mort will not observe her spaceship's length to be 50 meters, no matter how fast she moves.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The length contraction formula is L = L0 * sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2). To measure the length as 50m, solve for v: 50 = 100 * sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2), which gives v ≈ 0.87c.

The Graph Above Shows the Relativity of Space