A simple harmonic oscillator has a period of 2.00 s on Earth. The harmonic oscillator is taken on a spacecraft, and its period is measured on Earth to be 2.50 s. The velocity of the spacecraft is

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The period of the oscillator increases due to time dilation, which is a relativistic effect. The time dilation formula is T' = T / sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2). Solving for v when T' = 2.50 s and T = 2.00 s gives v = 0.60 c.

A Simple Harmonic Oscillator Has a Period of 2