Two events occur $5.0 \mathrm{~s}$ apart in time and $3.0 \mathrm{~s}$ apart in space. A clock traveling at a speed of $0.60 \mathrm{can}$ be present at both these events. What time interval will such a clock measure between the events?
A) $8.0 \mathrm{~s}$
B) $5.8 \mathrm{~s}$
C) $5.0 \mathrm{~s}$
D) $4.0 \mathrm{~s}$
E) $2.0 \mathrm{~s}$
F) Other (specify)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The time interval measured by a clock moving with the events is the proper time, calculated using the spacetime interval: $\Delta \tau = \sqrt{(\Delta t)^2 - (\Delta x)^2}$. Here, $\Delta t = 5.0 \, \mathrm{s}$ and $\Delta x = 3.0 \, \mathrm{s}$, so $\Delta \tau = \sqrt{5.0^2 - 3.0^2} = \sqrt{25 - 9} = \sqrt{16} = 4.0 \, \mathrm{s}$.

Two Events Occur 5.0 s5.0 \mathrm{~s}5.0 s Apart in Time And 3.0 s3.0 \mathrm{~s}3.0 s Apart in Space

Two Events Occur $5.0 \mathrm{~s}$ Apart in Time And $3.0 \mathrm{~s}$ Apart in Space