The United States is approximately 3000 mi wide as measured by people on Earth.If astronauts in a spaceship traveling at 45% the speed of light measure this distance,they will measure it to be more than 3000 mi.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to special relativity, as an object approaches the speed of light, its length appears to contract in the direction of motion as measured by an observer in a different reference frame. Therefore, the astronauts in the spaceship traveling at 0.45c will measure the width of the United States to be less than 3000 mi, not more.

The United States Is Approximately 3000 Mi Wide as Measured