Assess whether an astronaut on a spacecraft moving at 0.99c relative to Earth would feel as if she were living in slow motion.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the effects of relativistic speeds (specifically 0.99c, or 99% of the speed of light) on the perception of an astronaut in a spacecraft compared to an observer on Earth. It requires an assessment of how time dilation would affect the astronaut's experience.
Answer
No, everything feels normal to her in her frame.
The astronaut would not feel as if she is living in slow motion. In her own reference frame, everything feels normal, because time dilation is only observed from an Earth-based frame.
Answer for screen readers
The astronaut would not feel as if she is living in slow motion. In her own reference frame, everything feels normal, because time dilation is only observed from an Earth-based frame.
More Information
According to special relativity, time dilation is observed by an outside observer. The astronaut remains in her own inertial reference frame, where time appears unchanged.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that the relativistic effects would be felt by the person moving at a high speed. From their own perspective, nothing changes.
Sources
- 5.3 Time Dilation - University Physics Volume 3 | OpenStax - openstax.org
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