Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 37 - Relativity - Problems - Page 1150: 69k

Answer

Since the required speed is greater than $c$, the events can not be causally related.

Work Step by Step

Event 2: The rear door reaches the front bumper at $t_{c2} = -1.01\times 10^{-7}~s$ Note that $x_{c2} = 30.5~m$ Event 1: The front door reaches the rear bumper at $t_{c1} = 0$, which is after the rear door reached the front bumper. Note that $x_{c1} = 0$ We can find the speed required for information from event 2 to reach event 1: $v = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$ $v = \frac{30.5~m}{1.01\times 10^{-7}~s}$ $v = 3.02\times 10^8~m/s$ Since the required speed is greater than $c$, the events can not be causally related.
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