Chapter 29: Relativity

Answers to Even-Numbered Conceptual Questions

2. The second postulate of relativity specifically refers to the speed of light in a vacuum. The speed of light in
other mediums will always be less than the speed of light in a vacuum.
4. If the speed of light were only 35 mi/h, we would experience relativistic effects everyday. For example, a
commuter would age more slowly than a person who works at home; a moving car would be noticeably
shorter and distorted; you wouldn’t be able to drive faster than 35 mi/h, no matter how powerful your car
was and no matter how long you held the “pedal to the metal.”
6. No, in both cases. The theory of relativity imposes no limits on the energy or momentum an object can have.

Solutions to Problems and Conceptual Exercises

1. Picture the Problem: You are in a spaceship, traveling directly away from the Moon with a speed of 0.9c. A light
signal is sent in your direction from the surface of the Moon.
Strategy: Use Einstein’s second postulate to answer the conceptual question.
Solution: 1. (a) A light signal will always pass your ship with a speed of c, regardless of the speed of the ship.
Therefore, you measure the speed to be greater than 0.1c.
2. (b) The best explanation is I. The speed you measure will be greater than 0.1c; in fact, it will be c, since all observers
in inertial frames measure the same speed of light. Statements II and III are each false.
Insight: Statement III is the most correct answer from the standpoint of classical mechanics.

2. Picture the Problem: Two ships approach each other at a relative speed of 0.90c. Light emitted from one of the ships
travels to the second ship.
Strategy: Use the second postulate of relativity to determine the speed of the light beam in all reference frames.
Solution: Because the speed of light in vacuum is c, Isaac measures the speed of Albert’s light beam as c .
Insight: The speed of light in a vacuum is the same to all observers in any inertial frame of reference.

3. Picture the Problem: A street performer tosses a ball straight up into the air (event 1) and then catches it in his mouth
(event 2).
Strategy: Recall that the proper time is the time between two events that occur at the same location, as seen by a given
observer.
Solution: 1. (a) The street performer sees the two events occur at the same location (his body) and therefore observes
proper time.
2. (b) A stationary observer on the other side of the street sees the two events occur at the same location (the street
performer’s body) and therefore observes proper time.
3. (c) A person sitting at home watching the performance on TV sees the two events occur at the same location (the
television set) and therefore observes proper time.
4. (d) A person observing the performance from a moving car sees the two events occur at different locations relative to
his car and therefore observes dilated time.
Insight: What if the TV camera in part (c) were moving at high speed relative to the street performer? The viewer
would still see the proper time interval because of issues involved in the transmission of the information from the TV
camera at the finite speed of light. The Special Theory of Relativity cannot be thwarted by a television broadcast!

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

4. Picture the Problem: An observer determines that a clock in a moving (relative to the observer) rocket is running slow.
Strategy: Use the principle of time dilation to answer the conceptual question.
Solution: 1. (a) If the rocket reverses direction the clock will be observed to run slow. The direction of motion does not
matter in time dilation, only the relative speed between the observer and the clock.
2. (b) The best explanation is I. The clock will run slow, just as before. The rate of the clock depends only on relative
speed, not on direction of motion. Statements II and III are each false.
Insight: Each observer in separate frames of reference will observe the other person’s clock to be running slow,
independent of the direction of motion.

5. Picture the Problem: As a salesman you travel on a spaceship that reaches speeds near the speed of light, and you are
paid by the hour.
Strategy: Use the principle of time dilation to answer the conceptual question.
Solution: 1. (a) You would definitely want to be paid according to the clock at Spacely Sprockets universal
headquarters on Earth. The clock in the spaceship will run slow compared to the headquarters clock, and hence it would
give you a much smaller paycheck.
2. (b) The best explanation is I. You want to be paid according to the clock on Earth, because the clock on the
spaceship runs slow when it approaches the speed of light. Statements II and III are each false.
Insight: Statement II is true as long as you are moving relative to the Earth. As soon as you slow down and land on
Earth, you re-enter Earth’s frame of reference and discover that the spaceship clock has been running slow. The dispute
over which clock is running slow is unsolvable as long as both observers determine that their frame of reference is at
rest. As soon as one observer experiences the inertial forces due to slowing down or speeding up, the symmetry is
broken and the two observers will agree on who is moving and who is not.

6. Picture the Problem: An astronaut travels at a high rate of speed while observing the periodic flashes of a neon sign.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are two successive flashes of the neon sign. From the point of
view of the astronaut, these events occur at different places, so the astronaut observes the dilated time interval Δt and
the observer on Earth measures the proper time interval Δt0 = 4.1s. Use equation 29-2 to calculate Δt.
Δt0 4.1 s
Solution: Find the time interval observed by the astronaut: Δt = = = 7.6 s
1− v c 1 − ( 0.84 )
2 2 2

Insight: Time intervals between events that occur at different places are always longer than the proper time intervals.

7. Picture the Problem: An observer in a spaceship travels at a high rate of speed while observing the periodic flashes of
a lighthouse.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are two successive flashes of the lighthouse. From the point of
view of the space traveler, these events occur at different places, so the traveler observes the dilated time interval
Δt = 15 s and the observer on Earth measures the proper time interval Δt0 = 7.5 s. Solve equation 29-2 for the relative
speed of the observer.
Δt0
⇒ v = c 1 − ( Δt0 Δt )
2
Solution: 1. Solve equation 29-2 for the velocity: Δt =
1− v c 2 2

2
⎛ 7.5 s ⎞
2. Insert the given time intervals: v = c 1− ⎜ ⎟ = 0.87c
⎝ 15 s ⎠
Insight: It does not matter whether the spaceship travels toward the lighthouse or away from it. When the ship is
traveling in any direction with a speed of v = 0.87c relative to the lighthouse, the observed period will be 15 s.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

8. Picture the Problem: The image shows Benny traveling from

Earth to Vega at a relative speed of 0.9995c.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are
Benny’s departure from Earth and his arrival at Vega. From
Jenny’s point of view, these events occur at different places,
so she observes the dilated time interval Δt and Benny
measures the proper time interval Δt0. Divide the distance to
Vega by Benny’s speed to calculate Δt and then solve equation
29-2 for Δt0.
Solution: 1. Determine the time elapsed d
Δt =
from Jenny’s point of view on Earth: v
Δt0 d
2. Insert this time into equation 29-2 and Δt = =
solve for the proper time in Benny’s frame: 1− v c
2 2 v
d 25.3 ly
1 − ( 0.9995 )
2
Δt0 = 1 − v2 c2 =
v 0.9995c
= 0.800 y = 9.60 months
Insight: Benny has aged much less than Jenny (who remained on Earth). Jenny would have aged over 25.3 years.

9. Picture the Problem: Due to time dilation, as a proper time of 1.00 seconds pass on the ship, 1.00 minute passes on
Earth.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are successive ticks of the clock that is in your spaceship. From
your point of view, these events occur at the same place, so you observe the proper time interval Δt0 and an observer on
Earth measures the dilated time interval Δt. Solve equation 29-2 for the speed of the ship, where Δt0 = 1.0000 s and
Δt = 1.0000 m = 60.000 s.
Δt0
⇒ v = c 1 − ( Δt0 Δt )
2
Solution: 1. Solve equation 29-2 for the speed: Δt =
1− v c
2 2

2
⎛ 1.0000 s ⎞
2. Insert the two time intervals: v = c 1− ⎜ ⎟ = 0.99986c
⎝ 60.000 s ⎠
Insight: If 1.0000 hour had passed according to an Earth observer, instead of 1.0000 minute, the speed would have to
be much closer to the speed of light. The speed would have been 0.9999999614c.

10. Picture the Problem: An observer on a spaceship moving at 0.7705c relative to Earth measures the dilated time of a
100-m dash.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are the start and finish of the 100-m dash. From an Earth
observer’s point of view, these events occur at essentially the same place, so she observes the proper time interval Δt0
and the observer on the spaceship measures the dilated time interval Δt. Use equation 29-2 to calculate the proper time
of the race from a knowledge of the dilated time and the relative speed of the spaceship observer.

Δt0 = Δt 1 − v 2 c 2 = (15.44 s ) 1 − ( 0.7705 ) = 9.842 s

2
Solution: Solve equation 29-2 for the proper time:
Insight: Note that the proper time is shorter than the time measured by the astronaut.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

11. Picture the Problem: A muon travels with a speed of 0.750c. The muon decays after an
average time of 2.20 × 10−6 s, as measured in the muon’s rest frame.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are the creation and the decay of the
muon. From an Earth observer’s point of view, these events occur at different places, so she
observes the dilated time interval Δt and an observer in the muon’s frame of reference
measures the proper time interval Δt0. Use equation 29-2 to calculate the dilated time Δt.
Multiply that time by the speed of the muon to calculate the average distance traveled by the
muon in Earth’s frame of reference.

Solution: 1. Set the distance in Earth d av = vΔt

frame as velocity multiplied by the time:

2. Find dav using the dilated time: d av = v

Δt 0
= ( 0.750 ) ( 3.00 × 10 m/s )8
( 2.20 ×10 s ) = 748 m
−6

1 − v2 c2 1 − ( 0.75 )
2

Insight: Note that the distance is much smaller than the distance given in example 29-2. The slower speed (0.750c) not
only decreases the velocity, it also decreases the time of flight because of time dilation.

12. Picture the Problem: A pion decays after a proper lifetime of 26 ns. An observer in the laboratory will measure the
dilated time when the pion is traveling at 0.99c.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are the creation and the decay of the pion. From an Earth
observer’s point of view, these events occur at different places, so she observes the dilated time interval Δt and an
observer in the pion’s frame of reference measures the proper time interval Δt0. Use equation 29-2 to calculate the
dilated time in the Earth frame from the speed and proper lifetime of the pion. Calculate the distance as the product of
velocity and time. To calculate the distance without relativistic effects, use the rest frame lifetime of the pion.

Solution: 1. (a) Calculate the Δt 0 2.6 × 10−8 s

Δt = = = 1.8× 10−7 s
lifetime in the Earth frame: 1− v c 1 − ( 0.99 )
2 2 2

Δt0 0.99 ( 3.00 × 108 m/s )( 2.6 × 10−8 s )

2. (b) Calculate the distance d av = vΔt = v = = 55 m
traveled in the Earth frame: 1 − v2 c2 1 − ( 0.99 )
2

3. (c) Calculate the distance traveled d av = vΔt0 = 0.99 ( 3.00 × 108 m/s )( 2.6 × 10−8 s ) = 7.7 m
without relativistic effects:
Insight: Laboratory experiments with pions confirm that relativistic time dilation does in fact exist.

13. Picture the Problem: We want to calculate the speed of a Σ− particle (which has a proper lifetime of 0.15 ns) for which
the particle has a dilated lifetime of 0.25 ns.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are the creation and the decay of the Σ− particle. From an Earth
observer’s point of view, these events occur at different places, so she observes the dilated time interval Δt and an
observer in the particle’s frame of reference measures the proper time interval Δt0. Solve equation 29-2 for the speed of
the particle, where Δt0 = 0.15 ns and Δt = 0.25 ns.
Δt0
⇒ v = c 1 − ( Δt0 Δt )
2
Solution: 1. Solve equation 29-2 for the velocity: Δt =
1− v c2 2

v = c 1 − ( 0.15 ns 0.25 ns ) = 0.80c

2
2. Insert the proper and dilated times:

Insight: The faster that the particle travels, the longer its Earth frame lifetime. For the dilated lifetime to be 0.50 ns, the
particle would have to travel at 0.95c relative to the observer.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

14. Picture the Problem: The proper time of 1.0 year passes on a starship traveling at 0.99c. To a person on the starship,
one year will have passed. However, a longer time period will have transpired for an observer on Earth.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are your departure and return from a trip. From your sister’s
point of view, these events occur at different places, so she observes the dilated time interval Δt and you measure the
proper time interval Δt0. Use equation 29-2 to calculate the time on Earth given that Δt0 = 1 year.

Solution: 1. (a) Yes, because of time dilation.

Δt0 1y
2. (b) Calculate the dilated time on Earth: Δt = = = 7.1 y
1− v c 1 − ( 0.99 )
2 2 2

3. (c) Calculate your age when you return: 22 y + 1 y = 23 y

4. Calculate your sister’s age: 17 y + 7.1 y = 24 y

Insight: When you return your “younger” sister will be one year older than you! This scenario is often called the Twin
Paradox.

15. Picture the Problem: The proper angular frequency of a radar antenna is given as ω0 = 0.29 rad/s. Since the frequency
is related to time, an observer moving at a speed of 0.82c relative to the antenna would measure a different frequency.
Strategy: The angular speed is given by ω = 2π / T . Solve this equation for the period and use equation 29-2 to write a
relation for the observed angular speed in terms of the rest angular speed.
Δt0
Solution: 1. Write equation 29-2 Δt =
in terms of the angular speed: 1 − v2 c2
2π ω 0
2π ω =
1 − v2 c2

ω = ω0 1 − v 2 c 2 = ( 0.29 rad/s ) 1 − ( 0.82 ) = 0.17 rad/s

2
2. Solve for the observed angular speed:

Insight: The observer that is moving relative to the antenna will measure a slower angular speed due to time dilation.

16. Picture the Problem: An observer moving at v1 = 0.95c relative to Earth measures a time Δt1 = 5.0 min for a person on
Earth to fill a tank of gas. A second observer that is moving at v2 = 0.80c measures another dilated time Δt2.
Strategy: Use the speed and dilated time Δt1 given in the first scenario to solve equation 29-2 for the proper time Δt0 .
Then use the proper time to solve equation 29-2 again for the second dilated time Δt2.
Δt0
Solution: 1. Solve equation 29-2 for the proper time: Δt1 = ⇒ Δt0 = Δt1 1 − v12 c 2
1 − v12 c 2

Δt0 Δt1 1 − v12 c 2

2. Apply equation 29-2 again to find Δt2: Δt2 = =
1 − v22 c 2 1 − v22 c 2

1 − ( 0.95 )
2

= ( 5.0 min ) = 3.0 min

1 − ( 0.80 )
2

Insight: The time it takes for the person to fill the gas tank (according to a person at rest with the gas pump) is just
under Δt0 = 2.0 min.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

17. Picture the Problem: An astronaut measures her proper heartbeat at 72 beats per minute. A person on Earth who is
traveling at a speed of 0.65c relative to the astronaut will measure a time-dilated heartbeat.
Strategy: The heartbeat is a frequency (beats/minute) and frequency is the inverse of the period (in minutes). Replace
the time in equation 29-2 with the inverse of the frequencies and solve the resulting equation for the frequency
measured by an observer that is moving relative to the astronaut.
Solution: 1. (a) Because the time between each heartbeat will appear longer to the Earth-based observer, the measured
heart rate will be less than 72 beats per minute.
Δt0 1 f0
2. (b) Write equation 29-2 in terms of f : Δt = ⇒ 1 f =
1− v c2 2
1 − v2 c2

f = f 0 1 − v 2 c 2 = ( 72 beats/min ) 1 − ( 0.65 ) = 55 beats/min

2
3. Solve for the heart beat frequency:
Insight: Because the frequency is the inverse of the period, as the time is dilated the frequency decreases.

18. Picture the Problem: The rate of sunflower growth is related to time. An observer on Earth will measure the proper
growth rate for a sunflower on Earth but a dilated growth rate for a sunflower that is growing in a spacecraft that is
moving at 0.94c relative to Earth.
Strategy: Divide the height of the sunflower on Earth by its proper growth rate to calculate the proper time elapsed on
Earth. The two events to be considered are the beginning and the end of the growth period of the sunflower in the
spacecraft. These two events occur at different places for the farmer on Earth, but in the same place for the astronaut, so
the astronaut observes the proper time Δt0 and the farmer observes the dilated time Δt. Use equation 29-2 to find the
time Δt0 elapsed in the spacecraft and multiply it by the growth rate to determine the height of the sunflower in the
spacecraft.
2.0 in
Solution: 1. Calculate the growth time on Earth: Δt = = 6.67 days
0.30 in/day

2. Solve equation 29-2 for the time Δt0 : Δt0 = Δt 1 − v 2 c 2 = ( 6.67 d ) 1 − ( 0.94 ) = 2.28 d
2

3. Determine the height of the sunflower: h = ( 0.30 in/d )( 2.28 d ) = 0.68 in

Insight: If the astronaut were measuring the height of the sunflower on the spacecraft, he would get an entirely different
result. From the astronaut’s point of view, a full ( 6.67 d ) 1 − ( 0.94 ) = 19.6 d have elapsed on the spacecraft during
2

the time it takes the farmer’s sunflower to grow 2.0 in. During that time the astronaut’s sunflower has grown to 5.9 in.

19. Picture the Problem: An observer on Earth will measure a time that is dilated with respect to the proper time measured
by an astronaut that is inside a spacecraft moving at 8350 m/s relative to Earth.
Strategy: The time dilation will be fairly small because the speed is slow in comparison with the speed of light. Use
equation 29-2 to calculate the proper time measured on the spaceship when the dilated time of 30.0 days has passed on
Earth. Subtract the answer from 30.0 days to calculate the time difference in seconds.
v2
Solution: 1. Solve equation 29-2 for the proper time: Δt0 = Δt 1 −
c2

2. Subtract the proper time from the Earth

time to calculate the time difference:
(
ΔtEarth-ship = Δt − Δt0 = Δt − Δt 1 − v 2 c 2 = Δt 1 − 1 − v 2 c 2 )
⎡ ⎛ 8350 m/s ⎞ ⎤⎥ ⎛ 86, 400 s ⎞
2

= 30.0 d ⎢1 − 1 − ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 3.00 × 10 m/s ⎠ ⎥⎦ ⎝ 1 d ⎠
8
⎢
⎣
ΔtEarth-ship = 0.00101 s = 1.01 ms
Insight: After a month of traveling at a speed that is greater than 24 times the speed of sound, the astronaut’s clock
would differ from an Earth clock by only one a millisecond. Relativistic time dilation is not significant until the relative
speed approaches the speed of light.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

20. Picture the Problem: As a spaceship travels between two planets, it measures a proper time of 1.00 s. An observer on
Earth would measure the speed of the spaceship using the dilated time.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are the departure from one planet and the arrival at the other
planet. These two events occur at different places in Earth’s frame of reference but at the same place (just outside the
spacecraft) in the spacecraft’s frame of reference, so an Earth observer measures the dilated time interval Δt and the
astronaut measures the proper time interval Δt0. Use equation 29-2 to find the dilated time and divide the distance
between planets measured in Earth’s frame by the dilated time to find the speed.

Solution: 1. Calculate the dilated time: Δt = Δt0 1 − v2 c2

2. Calculate v = d Δt in d d
v= = 1 − v2 c2
Earth’s frame of reference: Δt Δt0
3. Square both sides of the
d 2 (1 − v 2 c 2 ) = v 2 Δt0 2 ⇒ d 2 = v 2 ( Δt02 + d 2 c 2 )
equation and rearrange:
4. Solve for the velocity: d 4.24 × 108 m
v= =
Δt02 + d 2 c 2 (1.00 s ) + ( 4.24 × 108 m ) ( 3.00 ×10 m/s )
2 2 8 2

= 2.45 × 108 m/s = 0.816c

Insight: According to the person on Earth, it takes the spaceship 1.73 seconds to travel between the planets.

21. Picture the Problem: The captain of the Enterprise measures a proper time of 2.0 hours to travel between two planets
while traveling at 0.825c relative to the planets.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are the departure from Vulcan and the arrival at Endor. These
two events occur at different places in Endor’s frame of reference but at the same place (just outside the Enterprise) in
the Enterprise’s frame of reference, so an Endor observer measures the dilated time interval Δt and Captain Jean-Luc
measures the proper time interval Δt0. Solve equation 29-2 for the dilated time interval and add it to 1:00 PM to
calculate the time of arrival according to Endor clocks.
Δt 0 2.00 h
Solution: 1. Calculate the dilated time: Δt = = = 3 h 32 min
1− v c 1 − ( 0.825 )
2 2 2

2. Add the time to 1:00 PM: The Endor clocks read 4:32 P.M.
Insight: The planets are 3.1× 10 m apart because it took the Enterprise 3 h 32 min to travel between them at a relative
12

speed of 0.825c.

22. Picture the Problem: The clocks on a plane measure the proper time of 2.0 hours for the plane to travel a given
distance at 222 m/s. Ground-based clocks will measure the dilated time for this trip. Because the speed of the plane is
much smaller than the speed of light, this dilated time will differ from the proper time by only a small amount.
Strategy: The two events to be considered in this case are the departure from one location and the arrival at another.
These two events occur at different places in Earth’s frame of reference but at the same place (just outside the plane) in
the plane’s frame of reference, so an Earth observer measures the dilated time interval Δt and the pilot measures the
proper time interval Δt0. Use the binomial expansion (in Appendix A) to express the dilated time from equation 29-2 for
speeds much smaller than c. Subtract the proper time to calculate the difference in times:
Solution: 1. (a) According to the ground-based clocks, the flight will take slightly more than 2.00 hours because of
time dilation.
2. (b) Write equation 29-2 using Δt 0 ⎛ v2 ⎞ v2
Δt = ≈ Δt 0 ⎜ 1 + 2 ⎟ = Δ t 0 + 2 Δt 0
the binomial expansion: 1 − v2 c2 ⎝ 2c ⎠ 2c

v 2 Δt0 ( 222 m/s ) ( 2.00 h ) ⎛ 3600 s ⎞

2
3. Subtract the proper time: Δt − Δt0 ≈ = ⎟ = 1.97 ns
2 ⎜
2c 2 2 ( 3.00 × 108 m/s ) ⎝ 1 h ⎠
Insight: This time shift was experimentally measured by J. C. Hafele and R. E. Keating in 1971 using synchronized
atomic clocks and a military jet plane (see section 29-2 of the text).

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

23. Picture the Problem: Suppose the universal speed of light in vacuum were larger than 3.00×108 m/s.

Strategy: Note the dependence of the relativistic correction factor 1 1 − v 2 c 2 on the speed of light c.
Solution: The effects of length contraction—in fact, all relativistic effects—would be less than they are now if the
speed of light were larger. In fact, in the limit of an infinite speed of light, there would be no relativistic effects at all.
Insight: The correction factor 1 1 − v 2 c 2 → 1 as the speed of light c → ∞ .

24. Picture the Problem: The rest length of a ship is L0 = 250 m, but an observer that is moving relative to the ship
measures the contracted length to be L = 150 m.
Strategy: Solve equation 29-3 for the relative speed.

Solution: 1. Solve equation 29-3 for the speed: L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 ⇒ v = c 1 − L2 L20

v = c 1 − (150 m 250 m ) = 0.80c

2
2. Insert the given lengths:

Insight: The observer’s measured length decreases as the speed of the ship increases. If the measured length were only
100 m, the ship would be traveling at 0.92c.

25. Picture the Problem: The rest length of the bicycle is given as L0 = 1.89 m. . Because the bicycle is moving at 20.0
mi/h relative to an observer, the observer will measure a contracted length of the bicycle.
Strategy: Solve equation 29-3 for the contracted length, setting c = 25.0 mi/h.

L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 = 1.89 m 1 − ( 20.0 mi/h 25.0 mi/h ) = 1.13 m

2
Solution: Insert the given data into equation 29-3:
Insight: The relative speed of the bicycle and the observer is 0.800c, where c = 25.0 mi/h.

26. Picture the Problem: The image shows a rectangular painting as

viewed in its rest frame. The painting travels at sufficient speed
that a stationary observer views the painting as square.
Strategy: The height of the painting will not contract because that
dimension is perpendicular to the motion. Therefore, use equation
29-3 to calculate the painting’s speed at which its length will be
measured as 80.5 cm.
Solution: 1. Solve equation 29-3 for the speed v: L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 ⇒ v = c 1 − L2 L20

v = c 1 − ( 80.5 cm 124 cm ) = 0.761c

2
2. Substitute numerical values:
Insight: It is not possible to make the painting square by moving the painting in the vertical direction, because length
contraction would only shorten that dimension.

27. Picture the Problem: The rest length of a high vacuum tube is L0 = 64 m. A proton traveling at v = 0.65c relative to
the tube will measure a contracted length of the tube.
Strategy: From the proton’s point of view, the tube is moving toward the proton at v = 0.65c. Apply length contraction
to the moving tube by using equation 29-3.

L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 = 64 m 1 − ( 0.65 ) = 49 m
2
Solution: Insert the given data into equation 29-3:
Insight: The time required to travel down the tube is shorter from the proton’s point of view than it is from a Fermilab
observer’s point of view because the tube length is contracted in the proton’s frame of reference.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

28. Picture the Problem: An observer moves with speed 0.88c relative to a cube and parallel to one of its edges. The
observer measures a contracted length along the parallel dimension while the other dimensions of the cube remain at
their proper lengths.
Strategy: Use equation 29-3 to calculate the contracted length. Then multiply the three dimensions together (the
contracted length and the two perpendicular proper lengths) to calculate the volume.
Solution: 1. (a) Insert the data into eq. 29-3
L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 = ( 0.75 m ) 1 − ( 0.88 ) = 0.36 m
2

to calculate the contracted length:

2. Write down the dimensions of the cube: The dimensions are 0.36 m × 0.75 m × 0.75 m .

3. (b) Multiply the dimensions to get the volume: V = A × w × h = ( 0.36 m )( 0.75 m )( 0.75 m ) = 0.20 m3
Insight: This is less than half of the proper volume of 0.42 m3. The observer will measure a density of the box that is
greater than the proper density because the mass stays the same while the volume decreases.

29. Picture the Problem: The proper length of your car is L0, c = 5.0 m and the proper length of your garage is
L0, g = 4.0 m. If your car moves at a high rate of speed relative to the garage, an observer in the garage’s frame of
reference measures a contracted length of the car. From inside your car you observe the garage moving at a high rate of
speed and its length is contracted.
Strategy: Solve equation 29-3 for the velocity of the car, setting the contracted length of the car equal to 4.0 m, as
measured by an observer in the garage’s frame of reference. Then insert the velocity into equation 29-3 to find the
contracted length of the garage that you measure from the point of view of the car’s frame of reference.

Solution: 1. (a) Solve equation 29-3 for the velocity: L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 ⇒ v = c 1 − L2 L0 2

v = c 1 − ( 4.0 m 5.0 m ) = 0.60c

2
2. Insert the rest and contracted lengths of the car:

L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 = ( 4.0 m ) 1 − ( 0.60 ) = 3.2 m

2
3. (b) Calculate the contracted length of the garage:
Insight: To an observer in the garage’s frame of reference, it is possible for the car to fit entirely inside the garage
(before crashing into the back at 0.60c). From your vantage point in the car, the garage is 1.8 m shorter than the car, and
the car does not fit. This discrepancy is explained by the non-simultaneity of events in different reference frames; from
your point of view, the front of the car exits through the back of the garage before the rear of the car enters it.

30. Picture the Problem: An astronaut travels to a distant star and back at different speeds. The proper distance between
Earth and the star remains constant, but the contracted length on each leg of the trip differs because the astronaut travels
at different speeds.
Strategy: Solve equation 29-3 for the proper length between Earth and the star, and then use the proper length to create
a ratio from which you can determine the contracted length of the return trip.
L
Solution: 1. Solve equation 29-3 for the proper distance: L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 ⇒ L0 =
1 − v2 c2
L1 L2
2. Use the proper distance to create a ratio: L0 = =
1− v 1
2
c 2
1 − v2 2 c 2
1 − v2 2 c 2
L2 = L1
1 − v12 c 2

1 − ( 0.89 )
2

3. Substitute numerical values: L2 = 7.5 ly = 4.1 ly

1 − ( 0.55 )
2

Insight: The distance is shorter on the return trip because the astronaut is moving faster relative to Earth and the star.
The proper distance for both trips is 9.0 ly.

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29 – 9
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

31. Picture the Problem: A scientist measures the proper distance traveled L0 by an electron and the dilated time Δt
elapsed during the trip.
Strategy: The two events, the beginning and the end of the trip, occur at different places to the laboratory scientist but
at the same place in the electron’s frame of reference. The electron therefore measures the proper time and the scientist
measures the dilated time elapsed. However, the scientist measures the proper length because he is at rest relative to the
two points that are separated by 3.50 cm. Calculate the speed of the electron relative to the laboratory by dividing the
proper length by the dilated time. Then use equation 29-3 to find the distance traveled in the electron’s frame.
Solution: 1. (a) Due to length contraction, the lab traveled a distance that is less than 3.50 cm.
L0 0.0350 m
2. (b) Calculate the speed of the electron: v= = = 1.75 × 108 m/s = 0.583c
Δt 0.200 × 10−9 s
v2
= ( 3.50 cm ) 1 − ( 0.583) = 2.84 cm
2
3. (c) Calculate the distance in the electron’s frame: L = L0 1 − 2
c
Insight: From the point of view of the electron, it travels 2.84 cm in 0.16 ns. The ratio of these yields the same relative
speed of 0.583c. Two observers can always agree on their relative speed, but not the distance traveled or time elapsed.

32. Picture the Problem: While traveling in a spaceship that is identical to yours, your friend measures the proper length of
his ship as L0 = 150 m, and the contracted length of your ship as L = 120 m.
Strategy: Because the two ships are identical, and because you each agree on your relative speed, you will make the
same length measurements as your friend. Each of you will measure the proper length of your own ship and the
contracted length of the other ship. To answer part (c), use equation 29-3 to find the relative speed.
Solution: 1. (a) You and your friend are moving with the same relative speed to each other. Therefore, from your point
of view your friend’s ship is also 120 m long.
2. (b) In the rest frame of your friend, he measured his ship to be 150 m long. Because the ships are identical, you will
also measure your ship to be 150 m long in your rest frame.

3. Isolate the radical and square v2 L2 v2

L = L0 1 − ⇒ = 1 −
both sides of equation 29-3: c2 L20 c2
2
L2 ⎛ 120 m ⎞
4. Solve for the velocity: v = c 1− 2
= c 1− ⎜ ⎟ = 0.60c
L0 ⎝ 150 m ⎠
Insight: Remember that the proper length is the length as measured by an observer who is at rest with respect to the
ship. Therefore each person will measure the proper length of his own ship and the contracted length of the other ship.

33. Picture the Problem: The image shows a spaceship from two points of
view. The top image is at rest with respect to the ship. In this view, the
ladder has a length 5.0 m, with the horizontal component x = 3.0 m and
vertical component y = 4.0 m. The lower image is the contracted view from
an observer on Earth, which is moving at v = 0.90c relative to the
spaceship. In this view, the vertical component of the ladder is the same,
but the horizontal component is contracted.
Strategy: Use equation 29-3 to calculate the contracted horizontal
component x′ of the ladder’s length. Then set the ratio of the vertical to
horizontal lengths equal to the tangent of the angle and solve for θ ′.

Solution: 1. Calculate the x′ = x 1 − v 2 c 2

contracted horizontal length:
= ( 3.0 m ) 1 − 0.902
x′ = 1.3 m
y y 4.0 m
2. Calculate the angle of inclination: tan θ ′ = ⇒ θ = tan −1 = tan −1 = 72°
x′ x′ 1.3 m
Insight: The angle of incline as measured by a person on the ship is θ = 53°. The apparent angle of inclination of the
ladder has been increased by length contraction.

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29 – 10
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

34. Picture the Problem: The contracted length of a rocket is 9.00 m when it is moving at speed v relative to an observer,
and it is 5.00 m when it is traveling at speed 2v.
Strategy: We want to calculate the speed v and the proper length of the rocket. First solve equation 29-3 for the proper
length, and then use the proper length to form a ratio from which you can find the speed v. Finally, insert v into equation
29-3 to solve for the proper length L0.
Solution: 1. Solve equation 29-3 for L
the proper length of the rocket: L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 ⇒ L0 =
1 − v2 c2
L1 L2
2. Use the proper length to create a ratio: L0 = =
1− v c 1 − ( 2v ) c 2
2 2 2

L1 1 − v2 c2
=
L2 1 − 4v 2 c 2

1 − ( L1 L2 ) 1 − ( 9.00 m 5.00 m )
2 2

3. Solve for the speed v: v=c =c = 0.433 c

1 − 4 ( L1 L2 ) 1 − 4 ( 9.00 m 5.00 m )
2 2

9.00 m
4. Use the equation from step 1 to find L0: L0 = = 9.98 m
1 − ( 0.433 c c )
2

Insight: The proper length is longer than either of the contracted lengths, as expected.

35. Picture the Problem: The starships Picard and La Forge are traveling at 0.90c relative to each other. To the observer
on the La Forge, the proper length of the La Forge is equal to the contracted length of the Picard.
Strategy: We want to calculate the ratio of the proper lengths of the two starships. Write the contracted length of the
Picard in terms of its proper length using equation 29-3. Set this length equal to the proper length of the La Forge and
calculate the ratio of the proper lengths.
Solution: 1. (a) The length of the Picard is contracted with respect to the observer on the La Forge. Therefore, because
this observer measures both ships and finds that they have the same length, the Picard must have a longer proper length.
On the other hand, the length of the La Forge is contracted with respect to the observer on the Picard. Therefore,
because the Picard is longer and the La Forge is contracted, this observer will find that (i) the Picard is longer .
v2
2. (b) Set the length of the Picard equal LP = LP0 1 − = LL0
to the proper length of the La Forge: c2
LP0 1 1
= = = 2.3
LL0 1− v c
2 2
1 − 0.902
Insight: To the captain of the Picard, the length of the La Forge is 5.3 times smaller than the length of the Picard.

36. Picture the Problem: The image shows a ship (1)

traveling toward Earth (3) at v13 = 0.90c . It fires a
probe (2) toward Earth at a speed v21 = 0.10c relative
to the ship.
Strategy: Use equation 29-4 together with the given data
to calculate the speed v23 of the probe relative to Earth.

Solution: Solve equation 29-4 for the v21 + v13 0.90c + 0.10c
v23 = = = 0.92c
speed of the probe relative to Earth: 1 + v21v13 c 2
1 + ( 0.90c )( 0.10c ) c 2
Insight: Without using the relativistic addition of velocities the probe speed would have been 1.00c, which is not
possible. Note that the final answer is greater than the speed v13 of the ship relative to Earth, but less than 1.00c.

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29 – 11
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

37. Picture the Problem: The image shows a ship (1)

traveling toward Earth (3) at v13 = 0.90c . It fires a
probe (2) away from Earth at a velocity v21 = − 0.10c
relative to the ship.
Strategy: Use equation 29-4 together with the given data
to calculate the speed v23 of the probe relative to Earth.

Solution: Solve equation 29-4 for the v21 + v13 0.90c + ( − 0.10c )
v23 = = = 0.879c
speed of the probe relative to Earth: 1 + v21v13 c 2
1 + ( 0.90c )( − 0.10c ) c 2
Insight: Note that the probe is still heading toward Earth, but at a speed that is slower than the spaceship.

38. Picture the Problem: The image shows a ship (1)

traveling at speed at v13 = 0.70c toward a stationary
observer (3). It shines a light (2) that travels at speed
v21 = c relative to the ship and toward the observer.

Strategy: Use equation 29-4 to calculate v23 , the velocity

of the light relative to the stationary observer.

Solution: Solve equation 29-4 for the speed of v21 + v13 0.70c + (1.00c )
v23 = = = 1.00c
the light beam relative to the stationary observer. 1 + v21v13 c 2
1 + ( 0.70c )(1.00c ) c 2
Insight: This result is expected from the second postulate of Einstein’s special theory of relativity.

39. Picture the Problem: The image shows a paper girl (1) traveling at a
speed v13 = 22 mi/h relative to the ground (3). She throws newspaper (2) at
a speed v21 = 19 mi/h relative to herself. The speed of light is 35 mi/h.

Strategy: We want to calculate the velocity of the paper relative to the

ground. Use equation 29-4 to calculate v23 , the speed of the paper relative
to the ground, using c = 35 mi/h.

Solution: Solve equation 29-4 for the v21 + v13 22 mi/h +19 mi/h
v23 = = = 31 mi/h
speed of the paper relative to the ground. 1 + v21v13 c 1 + ( 22 mi/h )(19 mi/h ) ( 35 mi/h )
2 2

Insight: The speed of the paper relative to the ground is greater than the speed of the paper girl, but smaller than the
speed of light.

40. Picture the Problem: The image shows two asteroids (1

and 2) traveling toward Earth (3) at v13 = 0.80c
and v23 = 0.60c relative to Earth.

Strategy: Use equation 29-4 to calculate v12 , the speed

of the asteroid 1 relative to asteroid 2.
v12 + v23
Solution: 1. Multiply both sides of v13 =
1 + v12 v23 c 2
equation 29-4 by the denominator:
v13 (1 + v12 v23 c 2 ) = v12 + v23

2. Isolate the unknown v12 (1 − v23 v13 c 2 ) = v13 − v23

variable v12 and solve:
v13 − v23 0.80c − 0.60c
v12 = = = 0.38c
1 − v23 v13 c 2 1 − ( 0.60c )( 0.80c ) c 2
Insight: If asteroid 1 were ahead of asteroid 2, it would be moving away from asteroid 2 with a velocity of − 0.38c.

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29 – 12
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

41. Picture the Problem: The image shows two ships

(1 and 2) heading toward Earth (3) at speeds v13 = 0.80c
and v23 = − 0.80c relative to Earth.

Strategy: We want to calculate the speed of the one ship

relative to the other. Use equation 29-4 to
calculate v12 , the speed of Ship A relative to Ship B.
v12 + v23
Solution: 1. Multiply both sides of v13 =
equation 29-4 by the denominator: 1 + v12 v23 c 2
v13 (1 + v12 v23 c 2 ) = v12 + v23

2. Isolate the unknown v12 (1 − v23 v13 c 2 ) = v13 − v23

variable v12 and solve:
v13 − v23 0.80c − ( − 0.80c )
v12 = = = 0.98c
1 − v23 v13 c 2
1 − ( − 0.80c )( 0.80c ) c 2

Insight: Because the two ships are traveling toward each other, their relative speed is greater than their speed toward
Earth, but less than the speed of light.

42. Picture the Problem: The image shows a spaceship (1)

moving away from Earth (3) at v13 = 0.77c and an
asteroid (2) moving in the same direction at v23 = 0.41c.

Strategy: We want to calculate v12 , the velocity of the

spaceship relative to the asteroid. Solve equation 29-4 for
the relative speed.
v12 + v23
Solution: 1. Multiply both sides of v13 =
equation 29-4 by the denominator: 1 + v12 v23 c 2
v13 (1 + v12 v23 c 2 ) = v12 + v23

2. Isolate the unknown v12 (1 − v23 v13 c 2 ) = v13 − v23

variable v12 and solve: v13 − v23 0.77c − 0.41c
v12 = = = 0.53c
1 − v23 v13 c 2
1 − (.77c )( 0.41c ) c 2

Insight: Because the spaceship is traveling faster than the asteroid, the relative speed is positive, but less than the speed
of the spaceship relative to Earth.

43. Picture the Problem: One electron (1) travels with a velocity v13 = 0.84c relative to the laboratory (3). The second
electron (2) travels in the opposite direction at a velocity v21 = − 0.43c relative to the first electron.

Strategy: Use equation 29-4 to calculate v23 , the velocity of the second electron relative to the laboratory.

Solution: Solve equation 29-4 for the speed v21 + v13 ( − 0.43c ) + 0.84c
v23 = = = 0.64c
of the second electron relative to the lab: 1 + v21v13 c 2
1 + ( − 0.43)( 0.84 )

Insight: In the laboratory the second electron is traveling in the same direction as the first electron, but at a slower
speed.

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29 – 13
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

44. Picture the Problem: The image shows two ships

traveling toward Earth. Ship A has a speed vAE = 0.80c
relative to Earth. The speed of ship B relative to ship A is
vBA = − 0.50c.

Strategy: We want to calculate vBE , the speed of ship B

relative to Earth. Use equation 29-4 to solve for the
speed.

Solution: 1. (a) Calculate the speed vBA + vAE ( − 0.50c ) + 0.80c

vBE = = = 0.50c
of ship B relative to Earth: 1 + vBA vAE c 2
1 + ( − 0.50c )( 0.80c ) c 2

2. (b) Using classical mechanics, observers on Earth would expect the relative speed of ships A and B to be
vAB = 0.80c − 0.50c = 0.30c, but it is actually vAB = 0.50c. If Ship A were to increase its speed by 0.10c, vAB will
increase more than 0.10c because in this situation relativistic speed differences are greater than those expected by
classical mechanics.
3. (c) Multiply both sides of eq. 29-4 vBA + vAE
vBE =
by the denominator: 1 + vBA vAE c 2
vBE (1 + vBA vAE c 2 ) = vBA + vAE

4. Solve for the absolute value vBA (1 − vAE vBE c 2 ) = vBE − vAE
vBA (i.e., the relative speed):
vBE − vAE 0.50c − 0.90c
vBA = = = 0.73c
1 − vBE vAE c 2 1 − (.50c )( 0.90c ) c 2

Insight: If Ship A had slowed down by 0.10c, the relative speeds would have decreased by more than 0.10c, from 0.50c
to 0.31c.

45. Picture the Problem: An object is traveling at a speed v12 = 0.80c relative to a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is
moving at a speed v23 = 0.80c relative to the ground.

Strategy: We want to calculate v13 , the speed of the object relative to the ground. Insert the speeds into equation 29-4
to solve for the unknown speed.
Solution: 1. (a) No , do not invest in this scheme, because the inventor is using simple velocity addition, which is valid
only for v << c.

2. (b) Solve equation 29-4 for the speed v12 + v23 0.80c + 0.80c
v13 = = = 0.98c
of the object relative to the ground: 1 + v12 v23 c 2
1 + ( 0.80c )( 0.80c ) c 2

Insight: The relative speed between the object and the ground is (and always will be) less than the speed of light.

46. Picture the Problem: The momentum of a spaceship is related to its mass and speed.
Strategy: Calculate the classical momentum using equation 9-1 and the relativistic momentum using equation 29-5.
Solution: 1. (a) Calculate
the classical momentum: p = mv = ( 4.5 × 106 kg ) ( 0.75 ) ( 3.00 × 108 m/s ) = 1.0 × 1015 kg ⋅ m/s

2. (b) Calculate the mv 4.5 × 106 kg ( 0.75 ) ( 3.00 × 108 m/s )

p= = = 1.5 × 1015 kg ⋅ m/s
relativistic momentum: 1− v c 1 − ( 0.75 )
2 2 2

Insight: Note that in this case the relativistic momentum is about 36% larger than the classical momentum. An
inspection of Figure 29-14 reveals that the relativistic momentum is always greater than the classical momentum.

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29 – 14
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

47. Picture the Problem: The relativistic momentum of an asteroid is related to the mass and speed of the asteroid.
Strategy: Solve equation 29-5 for the speed of the asteroid.
m2v
Solution: 1. Square both sides p2 =
of equation 29-5 and multiply 1 − v2 c2
both sides by the denominator: p 2 (1 − v 2 c 2 ) = m 2 v 2

2. Factor out the v2 terms: p 2 = ( m2 + p 2 c 2 ) v 2

p 7.74 ×1020 kg ⋅ m/s
3. Solve for the velocity: v= =
m2 + p 2 c2 (8.2 ×10 kg ) + ( 7.74 × 1020 kg ⋅ m/s 3.00 × 108 m/s )
11 2 2

= 2.86 × 108 m/s

Insight: Verify for yourself that the speed of the asteroid is 0.95c. If the momentum had been treated classically, the
speed would have been wrongly calculated as v = 9.4 × 108 m/s , which is greater than the speed of light.

48. Picture the Problem: For a given object the relativistic momentum is 7.5 times greater than the classical momentum.
Strategy: Set the relativistic momentum (equation 29-5) equal to 7.5 times the classical momentum (equation 9-1) and
solve for the velocity.
Solution: 1. Set the relativistic momentum m0 v
= 7.5m0 v
equal to 7.5 times the classical momentum: 1 − v2 c2
1
2. Solve for the velocity: = 1 − v2 c2
7.5
v 2 c 2 = 1 − 1 7.52 ⇒ v = c 1 − 1 7.52 = 0.99c
Insight: One way to interpret this situation is to say that the object’s mass is 7.5 times greater due to its high velocity.

49. Picture the Problem: The image shows two football players moving toward
each other before a collision. After the collision the players stick together and
are at rest. In this problem the speed of light is 3.0 m/s.
Strategy: Set the sum of the initial momenta equal to the final momentum
G
( pf = 0 ) and solve for the initial speed of the second player. Use equation 29-5
for the momentum with c = 3.0 m/s
G G
Solution: 1. Set pi = p f : p1 + p2 = pf = 0 ⇒ p1 = − p2

2. Use equation 29-5 to write the m1v1 m2 v2

=−
momentum: 1− v 2
c 2
1 − v2 2 c 2
1

m12 v12 m2 2 v2 2
=
1 − v12 c 2 1 − v2 2 c 2
⎡ v2⎤
3. Solve for v2 : m12 v12 = v2 2 ⎢ m2 2 − ( m2 2 − m12 ) 12 ⎥
⎣ c ⎦
m1v1
v2 = ±
m2 − ( m2 2 − m12 ) v12 c 2
2

88 kg ( 2.0 m/s )
=− = −1.6 m/s
2
⎛ 2.0 m/s ⎞
(120 kg ) − ⎡⎣(120 kg ) − (88 kg ) ⎤⎦ ⎜
2 2 2
⎟
⎝ 3.0 m/s ⎠
Insight: Note that the larger player has the smaller speed and is traveling in the opposite direction. If this problem had
been treated classically, the speed of the second player would have been − ( 88 kg )( 2.0 m/s ) (120 kg ) = − 1.47 m/s.

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29 – 15
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

50. Picture the Problem: The image shows two football players moving toward each
other before a collision. After the collision the players stick together. In this
problem the speed of light is 3.0 m/s.
Strategy: We want to find the speed of the two players after the collision.
Calculate the sum of the initial momentum using equation 29-5. Set the initial
momentum equal to the final momentum and solve for the final speed. Set the
speed of light equal to 3.0 m/s for this problem.
Solution: 1. Set the total initial m1v1 m1v1
pi = p1 + p2 = +
momentum equal to the sum: 1− v c 2 2
1 − v12 c 2
1

2. Calculate the initial 88 kg ( 2.0 m/s ) 120 kg ( −1.2 m/s )

pi = + = 79 kg m/s
momentum:
1 − ( 2.0 m/s ) ( 3.0 m/s ) 1 − (1.2 m/s ) ( 3.0 m/s )
2 2 2 2

3. Set the final momentum

( m1 + m2 ) vf
pf = pi =
equal to the initial and 1 − vf2 c 2
solve for the speed: pi
vf =
( m1 + m2 )
2
+ pi2 c 2
79 kg m/s
= = 0.38 m/s
(88 + 120 kg ) + ( 79 kg m/s ) ( 3.0 m/s )
2 2 2

Insight: If this problem had been treated classically, the final speed would be 0.15 m/s. The final speed is larger in the
relativistic case because the relativistic initial momentum of the first player is larger than his classical momentum.

51. Picture the Problem: A probe approaches a stationary asteroid at a relative speed of 0.50c and smashes into it. After
the collision, the asteroid/probe combination travels with a speed of 0.26c relative to the stationary frame of reference.
Strategy: The speeds and momenta are all measured relative to the stationary frame of reference defined by the
asteroid before it is struck. Calculate the initial momentum of the system using equation 29-5, and then set that
momentum equal to the final momentum of the asteroid and probe. Solve the expression for the mass of the asteroid.
Solution: 1. Calculate the initial mp vp 8.2 × 107 kg ( 0.50c )
pi = = = 4.734 × 107 kg ⋅ c
momentum of the probe: 1− v c2 2
1 − 0.50 2
p

2. Set the final momentum equal pf = pi =

(m a + mp ) vf

to the initial momentum and solve 1 − vf2 c 2

for the mass of the asteroid: pi
ma = 1 − vf2 c 2 − mp
vf
4.734 × 107 kg ⋅ c
= 1 − 0.26 2 − 8.2 × 107 kg = 9.4 × 107 kg
0.26 c
Insight: The final speed is slighter greater than half the initial speed, even though the mass of the asteroid is greater
than the mass of the probe. This is because the mass of the probe is effectively larger than its rest mass when it is
moving at a high speed.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

52. Picture the Problem: The classical and relativistic momenta are
essentially equal at very low speeds. As the speed increases, the relativistic
momentum increases more rapidly than the classical momentum.
Strategy: We want to calculate the speed for which the relativistic
momentum is 1.00% and 5.00% greater than the classical momentum. To
calculate the percent difference, subtract the classical momentum (equation
9-1) from the relativistic momentum (equation 29-5) and divide the result
by the relativistic momentum. Set this equation equal to the desired percent
difference, f, and solve for the speed.
Solution: 1. Calculate the percent pr − pc p mv
difference between the relativistic and f = = 1− c = 1− = 1 − 1 − v2 c2
pr pr mv 1− v c
2 2
classical momentum:

v2
2. Solve the percent difference equation 1− = 1− f
for the velocity: c2
v = c 1 − (1 − f )
2

3. (a) Set f = 0.010 or 1.0%: v = c 1 − (1 − 0.0100 ) = 0.141c

2

v = c 1 − (1 − 0.0500 ) = 0.312c
2
4. (b) Set f = 0.050 or 5.0%:

Insight: For speeds less than 0.141c, the classical momentum gives the correct answer to within a 1.0% error.

53. Picture the Problem: An electron must travel faster than a proton that is moving at 0.0100c in order for the two
particles to have the same momentum in a particular frame of reference. Classically, the electron would have to travel
1836 times faster than the proton because the proton has 1836 times more mass than the electron.
Strategy: Use equation 29-5 to set the relativistic momenta of the proton and electron equal. Solve the equation for the
speed of the electron, noting that the mass of the proton is mp=1836me and the speed of the proton is vp = 0.0100c.

Solution: 1. Set the momenta equal: pe = pp

me ve mp vp 1836me vp
= =
1− v c
2
e
2
1− v c
2
p
2
1 − vp2 c 2

ve2 (1 − vp2 c 2 ) = 18362 vp2 (1 − ve2 c 2 )

ve2 (1 − vp2 c 2 + 18362 vp2 c 2 ) = 18362 vp2
1836vp
2. Solve for the speed of the electron: ve =
1 + (18362 − 1) vp2 c 2
1836 ( 0.0100c )
= = 0.999c
1 + (18362 − 1) ( 0.0100 )
2

Insight: The electron has a speed only about 100 times the speed of the proton, unlike the classical case where the
speed would be 1836 times greater. However, unlike the classical case, as the speed approaches the speed of light, the
mass of the electron is effectively much larger than its rest mass.

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29 – 17
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

54. Picture the Problem: Particles A through D have the rest

energies and total energies given in the chart at the right.
Strategy: Use the expressions E0 = m0 c 2 (equation 29-8),
K = E − m0 c 2 (equation 29-9), and E m0 c 2 = 1 1 − v 2 c 2
(equation 29-7) to determine the ranking of the rest mass, kinetic
energy, and speed.
Solution: 1. (a) Rest energy is proportional to the mass, so that the ranking is B < D < C < A.
2. (b) The kinetic energy is the total energy minus the rest energy, so that the ranking is A < D < B = C.

3. (c) The total energy divided by the rest energy is 1 1 − v 2 c 2 , which increases with increasing speed. Therefore,
the ranking of the speeds follows the ranking of total energy divided by rest energy, or A < D < C < B.

Insight: By solving equation 29-7 for the speed we find that v = 1 − 1 Z 2 c , where Z = E m0 c 2 . Use this expression
to find that vA = 0, vB = 0.866 c, vC = 0.745 c, and vD = 0.661 c .

55. Picture the Problem: Work is done to accelerate a proton from rest to a speed of 0.90c.
Strategy: Use the Work-Energy Theorem (equation 7-7), where the kinetic energy is given by equation 29-9, to
calculate the work that is done.

Solution: 1. Write the work done ⎛ m c2 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞

as the change in kinetic energy: W = ΔK = K f − K i = ⎜ 0
− m0 c 2 ⎟ − 0 = m0 c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟
⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟ ⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠

⎡ ⎤
1
W = 1.673 × 10−27 kg ( 3.00 × 108 m/s ) ⎢ − 1⎥ = 0.19 nJ
2
2. Insert the given values:
⎢ 1 − 0.90 2
⎣ ( ) ⎥⎦
Insight: Using the classical equation for the kinetic energy, the work would have been (incorrectly) calculated as 0.061
nJ. This is only about a third of the actual work required.

56. Picture the Problem: A neutron (m0 = 1.675×1027 kg) that travels with a speed of 0.99c has both rest energy and
kinetic energy.
Strategy: Use equation 29-7 to calculate the total energy of the neutron, and then use equation 29-8 to calculate the rest
energy. Subtract the rest energy from the total energy to calculate the kinetic energy of the neutron.

(1.675 ×10 kg )( 3.00 × 108 m/s )

−27 2
m0 c 2
Solution: 1. (a) Calculate the total energy: E= = = 1.07 nJ
1 − v2 c2 1 − ( 0.99 )
2

m0 c 2 = (1.675 × 10−27 kg )( 3.00 × 108 m/s ) = 0.151 nJ

2
2. (b) Calculate the rest energy:

3. (c) Calculate the kinetic energy: K = E − E0 = 1.07 nJ − 0.151 nJ = 0.92 nJ

Insight: The kinetic energy is six times as great as the rest energy. In an inelastic collision, this energy could be
converted by pair-production (see the end of section 29-6) to the rest energy of 3 neutrons and 3 anti-neutrons.

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29 – 18
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

57. Picture the Problem: Energy is stored as potential energy when a spring is compressed. This potential energy can be
treated as additional rest energy of the spring.
Strategy: Write the work done in compressing the spring using equation 8-5. Set this energy equal to the increase in
rest energy. Then using equation 29-8 solve for the increase in mass.
Solution: 1. Write the work W = 12 kx 2 = Δmc 2
as the increase in rest energy:

kx 2 ( 584 N/m )( 0.39 m )

2

2. Solve for the increase in mass: Δm = 2 = = 4.9 ×10−16 kg

2 ( 3.00 × 108 m/s )
2
2c

Insight: This increase in mass should not be interpreted as an increase in the number of atoms present, but as an
increase in binding energy between the atoms.

58. Picture the Problem: When a capacitor is charged, it stores energy in the electric field between the plates. This energy
can be considered an increase in mass by Einstein’s mass-energy relation.
Strategy: Use equation 29-8 to calculate the energy associated with the increase in mass.

E = Δmc 2 = ( 8.3 × 10−16 kg )( 3.00 × 108 m/s ) = 75 J

2
Solution: Solve equation 29-8 for the stored energy:

Insight: Although 8.3 × 10−16 kg seems like a small amount of mass, it is the equivalent of 500 billion hydrogen atoms!

59. Picture the Problem: When the energy of a gamma ray is greater than the rest energy of a positron/electron pair, it can
create a positron/electron pair when it interacts with another particle.
Strategy: Set the energy of the gamma ray equal to the sum of the rest energies of the electron and positron. The mass
of the positron is the same as the mass of the electron. The rest energy of the electron can be written as:
E0 = me c 2 = ( 9.11× 10−13 kg )( 3.00 ×108 m/s ) (1.60 ×10 J/MeV ) = 0.511 MeV.
2 −13

Solution: Set the minimum gamma ray energy equal to Emin = melectron c 2 + mpositron c 2
the sum of the rest energies of the electron and positron:
= 2me c 2 = 2 ( 0.511 MeV ) = 1.02 MeV

Insight: In order to conserve both momentum and energy, the photon cannot create the pair unless it interacts with
another particle that carries away some of the photon’s momentum.

60. Picture the Problem: When a proton and antiproton annihilate each other, their rest energy turns into the energy of the
resulting two gamma rays.
Strategy: Set the rest energy of the proton-antiproton pair equal to the energy of two gamma rays. Solve for the energy
of each gamma ray.
Solution: Calculate the 2 Eγ = 2mp c 2
energy of the gamma ray:
Eγ = mp c 2 = 1.673 × 10−27 kg ( 3.00 × 108 m/s ) = 0.151 nJ
2

Insight: Note that the energy of each gamma ray is equal to the rest energy of the proton that produced the gamma ray.
This gamma ray has a frequency, f = E h = 2.3 ×1023 Hz.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

61. Picture the Problem: The relativistic kinetic energy of a rocket is a function of the mass and speed of the rocket.
Strategy: Use equation 29-9 to write the kinetic energy of the rocket in terms of its mass and speed. Solve the resulting
equation for the rocket speed.
⎛ 1 ⎞
Solution: 1. Use equation 29-9 to K = m0 c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟
write the kinetic energy of the rocket. ⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
2
⎛ 1 ⎞
2. Solve for the rocket speed: v = c 1− ⎜ 2 ⎟
⎝ 1 + K m0 c ⎠
2
⎛ ⎞
⎜ 1 ⎟
= c 1− ⎜ ⎟ = 0.88c
⎜⎜ 1 + 2.7 × 1023 J ⎡ 2.7 × 106 kg ( 3.00 × 108 m/s )2 ⎤ ⎟⎟
⎝ ⎢⎣ ⎥⎦ ⎠

Insight: Note that the kinetic energy of the rocket is proportional to the mass of the rocket. However, the relationship
between the kinetic energy and velocity is much more complicated.

62. Picture the Problem: The total energy of an object is the sum of its rest energy and its kinetic energy.
Strategy: Equation 29-7 describes the total energy of an object in terms of its mass and its speed. Set the total energy
equal to a number b times its rest energy using equation 29-7, and solve for the speed.
m0 c 2 set
Solution: 1. Write the energy as b times the rest energy: E= = b m0 c 2
1− v c 2 2

1 1
2. Solve for the velocity: v = c 1− = c 1− = 0.98c
( 5.5 )
2 2
b

Insight: At what speed is the total energy double the rest energy? Answer: 0.866c. Note that the kinetic energy depends
upon the frame of reference; for every object moving at constant speed, there is a frame of reference in which the object
is at rest and has zero kinetic energy, even though its kinetic energy may be large in a different frame of reference.

63. Picture the Problem: A nuclear reactor converts a portion of the fuel’s mass into energy.
Strategy: First calculate the energy consumed in one year by multiplying the power by one year. Then divide the
energy by the speed of light squared in order to calculate the mass.

Solution: 1. Find the energy produced in one year: E = P t = (1.0 × 109 W )( 3.16 × 107 s ) = 3.16 × 1016 J

E 3.16 × 1016 J
2. Solve E = Δmc 2 (equation 29-8) for Δm : Δm = = = 0.35 kg
( 3.0 ×108 m/s )
2 2
c

Insight: This mass is the equivalent of one can of soda that is converted into energy every year.

64. Picture the Problem: The total mass of the two protons and two neutrons is greater than the mass of the helium nucleus
(the two protons and two neutrons together). The difference between the masses represents the amount of energy
required to completely disassemble the helium atom.
Strategy: We want to calculate the amount of energy that must be added to the helium nucleus to separate it into its
parts. Calculate the mass of the two protons, two neutrons, and two electrons. Subtract from this the mass of the helium
atom. Convert this mass difference into energy.
Solution: 1. Calculate the mass of the two
mf = 2 (1.007276 u ) + 2 (1.008665 u ) + 2 ( 0.000549 u ) = 4.03298 u
protons, two neutrons, and two electrons:

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29 – 20
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

2. Subtract the mass of the helium atom: Δm = mf − mi = 4.03298 u − 4.002603 u = 0.030377 u

⎛ 931.49 MeV ⎞
3. Convert the mass to energy: E = Δmc 2 = 0.030377 u ⎜ ⎟ = 28.296 MeV
⎝ 1u ⎠
Insight: This energy must be added to break the helium atom down into protons, neutrons, and electrons. On the other
hand, this same energy is released when the protons and neutrons and electrons are combined to create the helium atom.
The latter process is called fusion and will be discussed in Chapter 32.

65. Picture the Problem: For small speeds the classical and relativistic kinetic
energies are equal. As the speed increases, the relativistic kinetic energy
increases more rapidly than the classical kinetic energy.

Strategy: We want to calculate the percent difference between the

classical and relativistic kinetic energies at speeds of 0.10c and 0.90c. To
calculate the percent difference, subtract the classical kinetic energy
(equation 7-6) from the relativistic kinetic energy (equation 29-9) and
divide the result by the relativistic kinetic energy at the given speed.
K − K cl K 1
mv 2 v2 c2
Solution: 1. Calculate f = = 1 − cl = 1 − 2
= 1−
the percent difference: K K ⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞
mc 2 ⎜ − 1⎟ 2⎜ − 1⎟
⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟ ⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
0.102
f = 1− = 0.0075 = 0.75%
2. (a) Set v c = 0.10: ⎛ 1 ⎞
2⎜ − 1⎟
⎝ 1 − 0.10
2
⎠
0.902
f = 1− = 1 − 0.31 = 0.69 = 69%
3. (b) Set v c = 0.90: ⎛ 1 ⎞
2⎜ − 1⎟
⎝ 1 − 0.90
2
⎠
Insight: For speeds less than 0.10c, the classical kinetic energy is within 1% of the relativistic kinetic energy. However,
for speeds greater than 0.10c, the error between the classical and relativistic kinetic energies increases dramatically.

66. Picture the Problem: An electron must travel faster than a proton that is moving at 0.0250c in order for the two
particles to have the same kinetic energy in a particular frame of reference. Classically, the electron would have to travel
1836 times faster than the proton because the proton has 1836 times more mass than the electron.
Strategy: First calculate the kinetic energy of the proton in terms of the rest energy of the electron using equation 29-9.
Then set this energy equal to the kinetic energy of the electron and solve for the electron’s speed, noting that the mass of
the proton is mp = 1836 me and the speed of the proton is vp = 0.0250c .

Solution: 1. Calculate the ⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞

K p = mp c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟ = 1836me c 2 ⎜⎜ − 1⎟⎟ = 0.574me c 2
kinetic energy of the proton: ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 1− v c ⎝ 1 − 0.0250
2 2 2
⎠ ⎠

⎛ 1 ⎞
2. Set the kinetic energy of the proton K p = K e = me c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟
equal to the kinetic energy of the electron: ⎜ 1− v c
2 2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠

v = c 1 − ( K p me c 2 + 1)
−2
= c 1 − ( 0.574 + 1)
−2
3. Solve for the speed of the electron: = 0.77c

Insight: If this problem were solved using classical velocities, the speed of the electron would be
ve = vp 1836 = 42.8 vp . The speed of the electron is only ve = 30.8vp when relativistic kinetic energy is used.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

67. Picture the Problem: The work required to increase the speed of a baseball from 25 m/s to 35 m/s is equal to the
change in kinetic energy of the baseball at those speeds.
Strategy: Calculate the work using the work-energy theorem (equation 7-7) with classical kinetic energy for the speeds
of 25 m/s to 35 m/s. Use the work-energy theorem with relativistic kinetic energy (equation 29-9) for the speeds
200,000,025 m/s to 200,000,035 m/s.
Solution: 1. (a) Calculate W = ΔK = K f − K i
the work using equation 7-7:
= 12 mvf2 − 12 mvi2 = 12 m ( vf2 − vi2 )

( 0.145 kg ) ⎡⎣( 35.0 m/s ) − ( 25.0 m/s ) ⎤ = 43.5 J

2 2
W= 1
2 ⎦
2. (b) The work required to increase the speed of the baseball from 200,00025 m/s to 200,000,035 m/s is greater than
that required in part (a) for two reasons: First, K ∝ v 2 , so there is not a linear relationship between K and Δv. Second,
relativistic kinetic energies are greater than their classical counterparts (see Figure 29-17).
3. (c) Calculate the W = ΔK = K f − K i
work using the relativistic
⎛ m c2 ⎞ ⎛ m c2 ⎞ ⎛ 1 1 ⎞
kinetic energies: =⎜ 0
− m0 c 2 ⎟ − ⎜ 0
− m0 c 2 ⎟ = m0 c 2 ⎜ − ⎟
⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟ ⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟ ⎜ 1 − v2 c2 1 − v 2
c 2 ⎟
⎝ f ⎠ ⎝ i ⎠ ⎝ f i ⎠
⎛ 1 ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎜ 1 − ( 2.00000035 ×108 m/s 3.00 × 108 m/s )
2
⎟
= ( 0.145 kg ) ( 3.00 × 10 m/s ) ⎜
2
8
⎟
⎜ 1 ⎟
⎜ − ⎟
1 − ( 2.00000025 × 108 m/s 3.00 × 108 m/s )
2
⎜ ⎟
⎝ ⎠
W = 7.00 × 108 J

Insight: Using the classical kinetic energy ΔK = 12 m ( vf2 − vi2 ) for the work done in part (c) gives an incorrect work of
W = 2.90 × 108 J. This is less than half of the actual work required. One way to interpret this result is to say that the
baseball becomes more massive as its speed approaches the speed of light, so more work is required to accelerate it.

68. Picture the Problem: The kinetic energy of a particle is equal to its rest energy.
Strategy: Set the relativistic kinetic energy (equation 29-9) equal to the rest energy (equation 29-8) and solve for the
speed. Repeat the procedure in part (c) for a relativistic kinetic energy equal to twice the rest energy.

Solution: 1. (a) Set the kinetic ⎛ 1 ⎞ 1

K = m0 c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟ = m0 c 2 ⇒ =2
energy equal to the rest energy: ⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟ 1 − v2 c2
⎝ ⎠
2. Solve for the speed: v = c 1 − 1 22 = 0.866c
3. (b) If the kinetic energy of the particle is doubled, the speed increases by less than a factor of two because of the
relativistic increase in mass.
⎛ 1 ⎞
4. (c) Set the kinetic energy K = m0 c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟ = 2m0 c 2
equal to twice the rest energy: ⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
1
=3
1 − v2 c2

5. Solve for the speed: v = c 1 − 1 32 = 0.943c

Insight: Doubling the kinetic energy classically requires an increase in the speed of a factor of 2 . However, for
speeds close to the speed of light, a small increase in speed produces a large increase in kinetic energy.

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29 – 22
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

69. Picture the Problem: Two pieces of putty with the same mass and speed collide head-on and stick together. The
kinetic energy in the inelastic collision is converted to rest energy because the final speed is zero.
Strategy: Set the sum of the initial total energies (equation 29-7) of the two putty pieces equal to the final rest energy.
Solve for the final rest mass.
Solution: Set the initial energy 2m0i c 2
= m0f c 2
equal to the final rest energy: 1 − v2 c2
2m0i 2 ( 0.240 kg )
m0f = = = 2.4 kg
1− v c 1 − ( 0.980 )
2 2 2

Insight: The added mass would be in the form of additional particles created by pair production and mass associated
with excited states of the atoms. The resulting putty pieces will not remain stationary for very long because the particles
will annihilate to produce gamma rays.

70. Picture the Problem: The Sun would become a black hole if its radius were smaller than the Schwarzschild radius.
Strategy: Calculate the Schwarzschild radius (equation 29-10) using the mass of the Sun, M = 2.00 × 1030 kg.

2GM 2 ( 6.67 × 10 Nm /kg )( 2.00 ×10 kg )

−11 2 2 30
Solution: Insert the mass
R= = = 2.96 km
into equation 29-10: c2 ( 3.00 ×108 m/s )
2

Insight: The Sun would have to compress to the size of a small asteroid, about 3.7 miles in diameter.

71. Picture the Problem: The radius of the black hole at the center of the galaxy is proportional to its mass. The
acceleration due to gravity is proportional to the mass of the black hole, but inversely proportional to the radius squared.
Strategy: Calculate the Schwarzschild radius (equation 29-10) using a mass equal to 5.2×1036 kg. Calculate the
acceleration due to gravity using equation 12-4, where the distance from the black hole is one Schwarzschild radius
(equation 29-10).

2GM 2 ( 6.67 × 10 N ⋅ m /kg )( 5.2 × 10 kg )

−11 2 2 36
Solution: 1. (a) Insert the
R= = = 7.7 × 106 km
mass into equation 29-10: c2 ( 3.00 ×10 m/s )
8 2

2. (b) Write the acceleration of GM GM GM c4

g= = 2 = =
gravity in terms of mass and radius:
( 2GM / c 2 ) 4GM
2 2
r R

( 3.00 ×10 m/s )

8 4

3. Insert the given values: g= = 5.8 × 106 m/s 2

4 ( 6.67 × 10−11 Nm 2 / kg 2 )( 5.2 × 1036 kg )

4. (c) If the mass of the black hole is doubled, the Schwarzschild radius doubles as well. Because g depends directly on
M but inversely on the square of the distance from the center, g decreases by a factor of 2.
Insight: The radius of the black hole is about 11 times larger than the Sun, which has a radius of 0.695×106 km. The
acceleration of gravity at the Schwarzschild radius is almost a million times greater than the acceleration of gravity at
the surface of the Earth.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

72. Picture the Problem: Two observers are moving relative to one another and make several independent measurements.
Strategy: Recall the principles of the Special Theory of Relativity when answering the conceptual questions.
Solution: 1. (a) The two observers will always measure their relative speed to have the same value.
2. (b) Because of time dilation the two observers will measure different values for the time between two events.
3. (c) Because of length contraction the two observers will measure different values for the length of an object.
4. (d) The two observers will always measure the speed of light in a vacuum to have the same value.
5. (e) Because of the relativistic addition of velocities (Section 29-4) the two observers will measure different values for
the speed of a third observer.
Insight: The Special Theory of Relativity asserts that measurements of time and space made by two observers depend
upon the relative motion of the frames of reference of the observers.

73. Picture the Problem: You are standing next to a runway as an airplane lands. You and the pilot are in different frames
of reference when you make observations about certain events.
Strategy: Recall the principles of time dilation and length contraction when answering the conceptual questions.
Solution: 1. (a) The pilot measures the proper time of the cockpit clock, because the pilot is at rest relative to it.
2. (b) You measure the proper time of the control tower clock, because you are at rest relative to it.
3. (c) The pilot measures the proper length of the airplane, because he is at rest relative to it.
4. (d) You measure the proper length of the runway, because you are at rest relative to it.
Insight: The Special Theory of Relativity asserts that measurements of time and space made by two observers depend
upon the relative motion of the frames of reference of the observers.

74. Picture the Problem: Two clocks are compared with a third clock on the North Pole. Clock 1 is on an airplane flying
from New York to Los Angeles, and clock 2 on an airplane flying from Los Angeles to New York.
Strategy: Recall the principle of time dilation when answering the conceptual question. Note that the North Pole clock
is at rest relative to the surface of the Earth, and that the Earth is rotating about its axis toward the east. Each plane has
the same speed relative to the surface of the Earth. This means that the plane that is traveling west (clock 1) has a lower
speed relative to the north pole (and thus clock 3) than does the plane that is traveling east (clock 2).
Solution: The clock 2 on the airplane traveling from Los Angeles to New York runs slower because its speed relative
to the axis of the spinning Earth is greater than the speed of the other airplane.
Insight: The faster the relative speed of two frames of reference, the greater the effect of time dilation.

75. Picture the Problem: An apple drops from the bough of a tree to the ground.
Strategy: According to the Special Theory of Relativity, the mass of the apple is proportional to the difference between
its total energy and its kinetic energy. This energy difference decreases as the apple falls because it converts its
potential energy into kinetic energy.
Solution: In principal, the mass of the apple near the top of its fall is greater than its mass after it has landed. The
reason is that there is more gravitational potential energy in the Earth-apple system when the apple is at a greater height,
and this increased energy is equivalent to an increased mass via the relation E = mc2.
Insight: See Conceptual Checkpoint 29-3 for a similar situation.

76. Picture the Problem: Two apple pies are identical in every respect, except that pie 1 is piping hot and pie 2 is at room
temperature.
Strategy: Use the connections between mass, energy, and acceleration to answer the conceptual question.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

Solution: 1. (a) The extra energy content of pie 1 (piping hot) means that its mass is greater than that of pie 2, as a
result of mass-energy equivalence. Therefore, the acceleration of pie 1 is less than the acceleration of pie 2.
2. (b) The best explanation is II. The fact that pie 1 is hot means it behaves as if it has more mass than pie 2, and
therefore it has a smaller acceleration. Statements I and III are each false.
Insight: The masses of the two pies are nearly identical. If the piping hot pie has a mass of 1.0 kg and a specific heat
close to that of water, and a temperature of 75°C, it has Q = mcΔT = (1.0 kg )( 4186 J/kg ⋅ °C )( 75 − 25°C ) = 2.1×105 J
more energy than the room temperature (25°C) pie. This corresponds to an extra mass of Δ m = E c 2 = 2.3 × 10−12 kg.
Such a mass (2.3 nanograms) difference would be extremely difficult to measure.

77. Picture the Problem: A warm cup of tea slowly cools off until it is at room temperature.
Strategy: According to the Special Theory of Relativity, the mass of the cup of tea is proportional to the difference
between its total energy and its kinetic energy. This energy difference decreases as the tea cools because it loses some
of its internal energy to the environment.
Solution: In principal, the mass of a warm cup of tea is greater than its mass after it has cooled. We can see this by
noting that the warm tea has more internal energy than the cool tea. If the difference in energy is E, the corresponding
difference in mass is E c 2 .
Insight: See Conceptual Checkpoint 29-3 for a similar situation. The tea also loses mass as the warm water evaporates.

78. Picture the Problem: An uncharged capacitor is charged by moving some electrons from one plate of the capacitor to
the other plate.
Strategy: Use the connections between mass, energy, and electric field to answer the conceptual question.
Solution: 1. (a) The charged capacitor stores energy in its electric field, as we saw in Chapter 21. Therefore, by the
mass-energy equivalence, the mass of the charged capacitor is greater than the mass of the uncharged capacitor.
2. (b) The best explanation is I. The charged capacitor has more mass because it is storing energy within it, just like a
compressed spring. Statements II and III are each false.
Insight: The additional mass is in the form of the energy stored in the electric field between the plates of the capacitor.
The mass difference is so small it would be very difficult to measure.

79. Picture the Problem: As the speed of the proton approaches the speed of light, its kinetic energy increases rapidly.
Strategy: Use equation 29-9 to calculate the velocity of the proton from its kinetic energy and rest energy. Then
compare it to the kinetic energy of an ant. Use equation 7-6 to calculate the kinetic energy of the ant, because its speed
is small compared with the speed of light.
⎛ 1 ⎞
Solution: 1. (a) Solve equation 29-9 for the velocity: K = m0 c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟
⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
1 1
v = c 1− = c 1−
(K m0 c + 1) ( )
2 2 2
1.0×1020 eV
938.28×106 eV
+1

= c 1 − 8.8 × 10−23 ≈ (1 − 4.4 × 10−23 ) c ≈ 1.00c

(15 ×10 kg )( 8.8 × 10−3 m/s )

−6 2
2. (b) Apply equation 7-6 to the ant: K ant = 12 mv 2 = 1
2

⎛ 1 eV ⎞
= 5.8 × 10−10 J ⎜ −19 ⎟
⎝ 1.60 × 10 J ⎠
K ant = 3.6 ×109 eV << 1.0 ×10 20 eV

Insight: The kinetic energy of the proton is close to the kinetic energy of a 0.143-kg baseball thrown at about 15 m/s.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

80. Picture the Problem: The time for an apple to fall to the earth, as measured by a person at rest with respect to the apple
tree, is the proper time. A person traveling at 0.89c relative to the tree would measure the dilated time.
Strategy: Calculate the proper time for the apple to fall using free-fall (equation 2-13). Then use equation 29-2 to
calculate the time measured by the moving observer.
Solution: 1. Solve equation 2-13 for the proper time: h = 12 g Δt02
2h 2 ( 3.7 m )
Δt0 = = = 0.869 s
g 9.81 m/s 2

Δt0 0.869 s
2. Solve equation 29-2 for the dilated time: Δt = = = 1.9 s
1− v c 2 2
1 − 0.892

Insight: If the observer moves horizontally at 0.89c past the tree, she will measure the height of the tree to be the same
as the stationary observer. She will measure the acceleration of gravity as only 2.05 m/s2 because she observes the
dilated time of fall.

81. Picture the Problem: The kinetic energy of a proton and its momentum are each functions of the mass and speed of the
proton.
Strategy: Use the kinetic energy together with equation 29-9 to find the speed of the proton. Then use the speed to
calculate the momentum by using equation 29-5.
⎛ 1 ⎞
Solution: 1. Solve eq. 29-9 K = m0 c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟
for the proton’s speed: ⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
−2 −2
⎛ K ⎞ ⎛ 1.50 × 103 MeV ⎞
v = c 1 − ⎜1 + 2 ⎟
= c 1 − ⎜1 + ⎟ = 0.923c
⎝ m0c ⎠ ⎝ 938 MeV ⎠

p=
m0 v
=
(1.673 ×10 −27
kg )( 2.77 × 108 m/s )
= 1.20 × 10−18 kg ⋅ m/s
2. Insert the speed into equation 29-5:
1 − v2 c2 1 − ( 0.923)
2

Insight: An electron with the same kinetic energy would have a momentum of 0.80 × 10−18 kg ⋅ m/s.

82. Picture the Problem: A monatomic ideal gas is heated at constant volume, causing the internal energy of the gas to
increase.
Strategy: Calculate the increase in energy of the gas using equation 18-6. Then use equation 29-8 to express the
increase in energy as an increase in mass. The increase in temperature is (112 F° ) × 95 C°/F° = 62.2 C° = 62.2 K.

Solution: 1. (a) Because E = m0 c 2 , an increase in energy results in an increase in mass.

2. (b) Solve equation 18-6 for

the change in internal energy: ΔU = 32 nRΔT = 3
2 ( 2.00 mol )(8.31 J/mol ⋅ K )( 62.2 K ) = 1551 J

3. Divide the change in energy ΔU 1551 J

Δm = = = 1.72 × 10 −14 kg
by the speed of light squared:
( 3.0 ×10 m/s )
2 2
c 8

Insight: This increase in mass is tiny when compared with the mass of the entire gas (8.00×10−3 kg if it were helium).

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29 – 26
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

83. Picture the Problem: A carbon-14 nucleus recoils after it emits a beta particle with kinetic energy of 156 keV.
Strategy: Solve equation 29-9 for the speed of the electron, keeping in mind that the rest energy of the electron is
511 keV. Then use the speed and mass of the electron in equation 29-5 to calculate its momentum. Because the nucleus
was initially at rest, the magnitude of the momenta of the nucleus and electron are equal. Use equation 29-5 to solve for
the speed of the recoiling nucleus. Use (14.000 u ) (1.6605 × 10−27 kg/u ) = 2.3247 × 10−26 kg as the mass of the 14C
nucleus. Note that the 14.003242 u mass given in Appendix F includes the atomic electrons that are not considered in
this problem.
⎛ 1 ⎞
Solution: 1. (a) Solve equation K = m0 c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟
29-9 for the electron speed: ⎜ 1 − v2 / c2 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
−2 −2
⎛ K ⎞ ⎛ 156 keV ⎞
v = c 1 − ⎜1 + 2 ⎟
= c 1 − ⎜1 + ⎟ = 0.6427c = 0.643c
⎝ m0 c ⎠ ⎝ 511 keV ⎠

2. (b) Solve equation 29-5 for p=

m0 v
=
( 9.11×10 −31
kg ) ( 0.6427 ) ( 3.00 × 108 m/s )

1 − ( 0.6427 )
2 2
the electron momentum: 1 − v2 c
= 2.29 × 10−22 kg ⋅ m/s
3. (c) Set the momentum of the
recoiling atom equal and opposite pA = − pβ = −2.29 × 10−22 kg ⋅ m/s
to the electron momentum:
−1/ 2
4. (d) Solve equation 2-5 for the m0 v ⎛ m 2c2 ⎞
p= ⇒ v = c ⎜1 + 0 2 ⎟
speed of the recoiling atom: 2
⎝ p ⎠
1 − v2 c
−1/ 2
⎡ ( 2.3247 × 10−26 kg )2 ( 3.00 × 108 m/s )2 ⎤
v = ( 3.00 × 10 m/s ) ⎢1 +
8 ⎥
⎢ ( −2.29 ×10 kg ⋅ m/s ) ⎥
−22 2

⎣ ⎦
v = 9850 m/s = 9.85 km/s
Insight: The atom is about 26,000 times more massive than the electron, so the recoil speed of the atom is small when
compared with the speed of the electron.

84. Picture the Problem: The image shows a clock with proper width
24 cm and height 12 cm. When the clock travels at high speed, the
observed width of the clock is also 12 cm.
Strategy: We want to calculate the dilated time when the clock is
traveling at a speed such that its contracted length is one-half of
the proper length. First use equation 29-3 to calculate the speed.
Then use the speed together with equation 29-2 to find the dilated
time when the proper time is 1.0 s.
Solution: 1. Use equation 29-3 to find v: L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2

v = c 1 − L2 L20 = c 1 − ( 2 L0 )
2
L20 = c ( 3 2 )
Δt0 1.0 s
2. Insert the velocity into equation 29-2: Δt = = = 2.0 s
1− v c
( )
2 2 2
1− 3 2

Insight: This problem could also have been solved by recognizing that the length contraction is inversely proportional
to the time dilation. Therefore, if the length is cut in half, the time is doubled.

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29 – 27
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

85. Picture the Problem: The image shows a ship (1)

traveling toward Earth (3) at v13 = 0.75c. A shuttle (2) is
launched and moves in the same direction as the starship
at a speed v23 such that the apparent length of the shuttle
to an observer on Earth is one half of its proper length.

Strategy: Use equation 29-3 to calculate the speed v23 of the shuttle craft relative to Earth. Then use equation 29-4 to
calculate the speed v21 of the shuttle craft relative to the starship.
2 2
Solution: 1. Solve equation 29-3 for the speed ⎛ L⎞ ⎛ 6.25 m ⎞
v23 = c 1 − ⎜ ⎟ = c 1 − ⎜ ⎟ = 0.866c
v23 of the shuttle craft relative to Earth: L
⎝ 0⎠ ⎝ 12.5 m ⎠
v21 + v13
v23 =
2. Solve equation 29-4 for the speed v21: 1 + v21v13 c 2
v23 − v13 0.866c − 0.75c
v21 = = = 0.33c
1 − v13 v23 c 2 1 − ( 0.75 )( 0.866 )
Insight: If the shuttle had been traveling toward the starship, instead of toward Earth, its speed relative to the starship
would have been 0.98c.

86. Picture the Problem: The image shows a charged particle of charge q
and momentum p moving in a circle of radius R that is perpendicular to a
magnetic field.
Strategy: Use the equation R = p qB to calculate the radius of the
charged particle’s orbit. Set the momentum equal to p = mv to
calculate the radius classically, and set the momentum equal to
p = mv 1 − v 2 c 2 to find R according to relativity.

p mv (1.673 × 10 kg ) ( 0.99 ) ( 3.00 × 10 m/s )

−27 8
Solution: 1. (a) Use p = mv to
R= = = = 16 m
calculate the orbit radius: qB qB (1.60 ×10−19 C ) ( 0.20 T )
2. (b) Use the relativistic momentum
R=
mv
=
(1.673 ×10 −27
kg ) ( 0.99 ) ( 3.00 × 108 m/s )
= 0.11 km
to calculate the orbit radius: qB 1 − v 2 c 2 (1.60 ×10 −19
C ) ( 0.20 T ) 1 − ( 0.99 )
2

Insight: The orbit radius is proportional to the momentum. The correct orbital radius is much larger than that predicted
by classical mechanics because the relativistic momentum is much larger than the classical momentum. This larger
radius must be used when constructing circular particle accelerators.

87. Picture the Problem: The image shows a starship (1)

traveling away from Earth (3) at v13 = 0.75c. A shuttle
(2) with a proper length of 13 m is launched and moves
toward Earth at a speed of v21 = 0.40c relative to the
starship.

Strategy: First use equation 29-4 to calculate the speed v23 of the shuttle relative to Earth, and then use equation
29-3 to calculate the length of the shuttle craft as measured by an observer on Earth. In part (b) we simply repeat the
calculation for a shuttle that is moving away from Earth.
Solution: 1. (a) Calculate the speed v21 + v13 0.40c + ( − 0.75c )
v23 = = = − 0.50c
of the shuttle craft relative to Earth: 1 + v21v13 c 2
1 + ( 0.40c )( − 0.75 )
2. Calculate the length of the shuttle as
L = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 = (13 m ) 1 − ( − 0.50 ) = 11 m
2

measured by an observer on Earth:

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29 – 28
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

3. (b) If the shuttle traveled in the same direction as the starship, it would have a greater speed relative to Earth. The
relativistic length contraction would therefore increase and an Earth observer would measure a length that is less than
that found in part (a).
4. (c) Calculate the shuttle speed v23 v21 + v13 ( − 0.40c ) + ( − 0.75c )
v23 = = = − 0.885c
when it travels away from Earth: 1 + v21v13 c 2
1 + ( − 0.40c )( − 0.75 )
5. Calculate the length of the shuttle as
L = (13 m ) 1 − 0.8852 = 6.1 m
measured by an observer on Earth:
Insight: Note that in part (a) the shuttle is moving away from Earth even though it was launched in the direction of
Earth. The starship is receding from Earth at a rate that is faster than the relative speed of the shuttle.

88. Picture the Problem: The image shows a titanium rod with a proper length of
2.5 meters while it makes an angle of θ = 45° with respect to the horizontal. The
image also shows the rod as the rocket travels with a speed of 0.98c relative to the
observer.

Strategy: Calculate the horizontal and vertical components of the titanium rod in
the rest frame using trigonometry. Then use equation 29-3 to calculate the
contracted length of the horizontal component. Finally, use trigonometry again to
calculate the contracted length and angle of the titanium rod when the spacecraft
moves at v = 0.98c relative to the observer.

Solution: 1. Calculate the horizontal and vertical x = L0 cos θ = ( 2.5 m ) cos ( 45° ) = 1.77 m
components of the rod’s rest length:
y = L0 sin θ = ( 2.5 m ) sin ( 45° ) = 1.77 m

2. Calculate the contracted horizontal component: x′ = x 1 − v 2 c 2 = (1.77 m ) 1 − 0.982 = 0.352 m

( x′ ) ( 0.352 m ) + (1.77 m ) = 1.8 m

2 2 2
3. (a) Calculate the contracted length: L′ = + y2 =

4. (b) Calculate the new angle: θ ′ = tan −1 ( y x′ ) = tan −1 (1.77 m 0.352 m ) = 79°
Insight: The total length contracts and the angle of rotation increases because the horizontal length contracts but the
vertical length remains the same.

89. Picture the Problem: As electrons are accelerated through the 276-kV potential difference, the electric field does work
on the electron and gives it kinetic energy.
Strategy: We want to calculate the speed from the kinetic energy. Set the kinetic energy equal to the electrostatic work
done on the electron, where the work is the magnitude of the charge times the magnitude of the potential difference. Use
equation 7-6 to calculate the speed classically and equation 29-9 to calculate the speed according to relativity. The rest
energy of the electron is 511 keV.
Solution: 1. (a) Set K = eV and 1
2
mv 2 = eV
2 (1.60 × 10−19 C ) ( 276, 000 V )
solve for v using equation 7-6:
2eV
v= = = 3.11× 108 m/s
m 9.11× 10−31 kg
⎛ 1 ⎞
2. (b) Set K = eV and solve for v K = m0 c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟ = eV
⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟
using equation 29-9: ⎝ ⎠
−2 −2
⎛ eV ⎞ ⎛ 276 keV ⎞
v = c 1 − ⎜1 + 2 ⎟
= ( 3.00 × 108 m/s ) 1 − ⎜ 1 + ⎟
⎝ m0 c ⎠ ⎝ 511 keV ⎠
v = 2.28 ×108 m/s = 0.76c
Insight: The classical equation does not account for the additional work necessary to increase the velocity at high
speeds, and it gives a speed that is higher than the speed of light.

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29 – 29
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

90. Picture the Problem: A pion is observed to have a kinetic energy K = 35.0 MeV and a momentum
p = 105 MeV/c in the laboratory frame of reference.
Strategy: Insert the data given in the problem statement into the equation for the rest energy.

⎡105 ( MeV/c ) c ⎦⎤ − ( 35.0 MeV )

2
( pc )
2 2
− K2
Solution: Calculate the rest energy: m0 c =
2
=⎣ = 140 MeV
2K 2 ( 35.0 MeV )

Insight: This equation a version of the invariant equation (see also problem 95), so named because it takes advantage
of the fact that the rest energy is a constant in order to relate the kinetic energy to the momentum at any speed.

91. Picture the Problem: The image shows two planets orbiting a black hole. The
outer planet orbits at a radius of 2R and the inner planet at a radius R.
Strategy: Set the centripetal force (equation 6-16) equal to the gravitational force
(equation 12-1) and solve for the speed when the orbital radius is twice the
Schwarzschild radius R (equation 29-10) and for when it is equal to R.

Solution: 1. Set the centripetal force mv 2 GMm

= 2
equal to the gravitational force and solve r r
for the speed in terms of the radius: GM
v=
r
GM 1
2. (a) Set r = 2R and calculate v: v= = c
2 ( 2GM c 2
) 2

GM 1
3. (b) Set r = R and calculate v: v= = c
( 2GM c ) 2
2

Insight: Note that the speeds do not depend on the mass of the black hole, nor on the mass of the planet.

92. Picture the Problem: Two carts move without friction on an air track. Before the collision, the first cart is traveling at
0.650c and the second cart is at rest. The two carts move at the same speed after a completely inelastic collision.
Strategy: Calculate the initial momentum using equation 29-5. Set the initial momentum equal to the final momentum,
where the final mass is equal to twice the initial rest mass m0, and solve for the final speed.
Solution: 1. (a) Because momentum is conserved, and because the relativistic factor is smaller after the collision than it
is before the collision, the final speed must be greater than the average of the two initial speeds.

m0 v m0 ( 0.650c )
2. (b) Calculate the initial momentum: pi = = = 0.8553m0 c
1− v c 1 − ( 0.650 )
2 2 2

( 2m0 ) vf
3. Set the final momentum equal to the initial pf = = 0.8553m0 c
momentum and solve for the final speed: 1 − vf2 c 2
0.8553c
vf = = 0.393c
4 + 0.85532
Insight: As predicted, the final speed is greater than the 0.325c predicted by classical physics. The rest mass of the
stationary cart would need to be 1.49 m0 in order for the final speed to be 0.325c.

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29 – 30
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

93. Picture the Problem: The top image shows a reclining astronaut from his
reference frame. The bottom image shows the same astronaut from a
reference frame that is traveling at a speed v relative to the astronaut.
Strategy: Break down the proper length of the astronaut into its horizontal
and vertical components. The vertical component is perpendicular to the
direction of motion and therefore remains the same. Use equation 29-3 to
determine the contracted length x of the horizontal component. Use the
Pythagorean theorem to calculate the contracted length of the astronaut,
and then use trigonometry to calculate the angle θ from the perspective of
the moving frame of reference.
Solution: 1. (a) Calculate the horizontal x0 = L0 cos θ 0
and vertical components of the rest length: y0 = L0 sin θ 0
2. Use equation 29-3 to calculate the
x = x0 1 − v 2 c 2 = L0 cos θ 0 1 − v 2 c 2
contracted horizontal component:

( L cosθ ) + ( L sin θ )
2
2
3. Use the Pythagorean theorem to write L = x 2 + y02 = 0 0 1 − v2 c2 0 0
the contracted length, setting y = y0 and
substituting the expression from step 2: = L20 ( cos 2 θ 0 + sin 2 θ 0 ) − v 2 c 2 L20 cos 2 θ 0 = L0 1 − v 2 c 2 cos 2 θ 0

4. (b) Use the tangent function y L0 sin θ 0 tan θ 0

to calculate the new angle: tanθ = = =
x L0 cos θ 0 1 − v 2 c 2 1 − v2 c2

Insight: The tangent of the angle is dilated by the same factor (1 − v 2 c 2 ) 2 with which the time is dilated.
−1

94. Picture the Problem: The period of rotation of a pulsar (3) determines
the number of pulses it emits per second. As the pulsar moves away from
Earth (1), time dilation decreases the number of pulses per second
received by Earth. As a starship (2) travels toward the pulsar, the number
of pulses it receives per second depends on its speed relative to the
pulsar. The diagram is presented from Earth’s point of view.
Strategy: Set the frequency equal to the inverse of the period and write an equation for the observed frequency as a
function of the relative speed of the pulsar. Use this equation together with the observed frequency on Earth to calculate
the proper frequency of the pulsar. Next, find the speed of the pulsar relative to the starship using equation 29-4. We
must be careful about the signs; the velocity v21 of the starship with respect to Earth is +0.950c (to the right), but the
velocity v13 of Earth with respect to the pulsar is − 0.800c (to the left), and the velocity v23 of the starship with respect
to the pulsar is positive (to the right). Finally, use the relative speed and the proper frequency to calculate the frequency
observed by the starship.
1 f0
Solution: 1. Use equation 29-2, with Δt = 1 f , 1 f =
to find an expression for the dilated frequency f : 1 − v2 c2
f = f0 1 − v2 c2
f 153 pulses/s
2. Calculate the proper frequency of the pulsar: f0 = = = 255 pulses/s
1− v c 2 2
1 − 0.8002

v21 + v13 0.950c + ( − 0.800c )

3. Calculate the speed of the pulsar relative to the starship: v23 = = = 0.625c
1 + v31v12 c 2
1 + 0.950 ( − 0.800 )
4. Calculate the frequency of the pulsar
f = 255 pulses/s 1 − 0.6252 = 199 pulses/s
in the starship’s reference frame:
Insight: Verify for yourself that if the starship were to reverse direction and move away from the pulsar at 0.950c
relative to Earth, it would observe only 27.1 pulses/s.

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29 – 31
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

95. Picture the Problem: The invariant equation relates the square of the total energy to the sum of the squares of the rest
energy and the momentum.
Strategy: We want to show that the invariant equation (a version of which was also discussed in problem 90) is valid.
Use equation 29-5 to write the right-hand side of the invariant equation in terms of v, and then simplify the expression
to show that it equals the total energy E as given in equation 29-7.
2
Solution: 1. Write the momentum in the right-hand ⎛ m0 v ⎞ m2v2 c2
p c +m c =⎜
2 2 2 4
⎟ c 2 + m02 c 4 = 0 2 2 + m02 c 4
side of the invariant equation using equation 29-5: ⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟
0
1− v c
⎝ ⎠

2. Write in terms of a common m02 v 2 c 2 + m02 c 4 (1 − v 2 c 2 ) m02 c 4

p 2 c 2 + m02 c 4 = = = E2
denominator and simplify: 1− v c2 2
1 − v2 c2

Insight: This equation is a quick way to calculate the momentum from the energy, or to calculate the total energy from
the momentum.

96. Picture the Problem: The image shows two objects

moving with speeds v1 (the speed of the ship with respect
to Earth) and v2 (the speed of the shuttle with respect to
the ship). Both speeds are in the same direction and are
less than the speed of light. The relativistic addition of
velocities can be used to calculate the speed of the
shuttle with respect to Earth.
Strategy: We want to show that v, the speed of the shuttle with respect to Earth, is greater than either the speed of the
ship or the speed of the shuttle with respect to the ship. We also want to show that the speed v is slower than the speed
of light. Write equation 29-4 for the speed v. Multiply v2 in the numerator v12 c 2 , which is a number less than one,
causing the resulting equation to be less than the original. Simplify the result to show that v > v1. Repeat this process by
multiplying v1 in the numerator of the original expression by v22 c 2 to show that v > v2. Finally, begin with the assertion
that v1 < c and then use algebra to show that v < c is always true.

v1 + v2 v1 + v2 ( v12 c 2 ) v1 (1 + v1v2 c 2 )
Solution: 1. Show that v > v1: v= > = = v1
1 + v1v2 c 2 1 + v1v2 c 2 1 + v1v2 c 2

v1 + v2 v1 ( v22 c 2 ) + v2 v2 ( v1v2 c 2 + 1)
2. Show that v > v2: v= > = = v2
1 + v1v2 c 2 1 + v1v2 c 2 1 + v1v2 c 2

3. To show that v < c, begin by stating that v1 < c. v1 < c

Multiply both sides of the inequality by the factor v1 (1 − v2 c ) < c (1 − v2 c )
1 − v2 c (which is greater than zero):
v1 − v1v2 c < c − v2

4. Rearrange the inequality by adding

v2 + v1v2 c to both sides: v1 + v2 < c (1 + v1v2 c 2 )

5. Divide both sides of the inequality by 1 + v1v2 c 2 , v1 + v2

<c
and note that the left-hand side is the equation for v: 1 + v1v2 c 2
v<c
Insight: Therefore, the relativistic sum of any two positive velocities will be greater than either of the velocities, but
smaller than the speed of light.

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29 – 32
Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

97. Picture the Problem: The relativistic speed of an object can be determined if its momentum and rest mass are known.
Strategy: Solve equation 29-5 for the velocity.
m0 2 v 2
Solution: 1. Square both sides of equation 29-5: p2 =
1 − v2 c2

p2 2
2. Multiply both sides by 1 − v 2 c 2 and factor out v 2 : p2 − v = m0 2 v 2
c2
⎛ p2 ⎞
p 2 = ⎜ m0 2 + 2 ⎟ v 2
⎝ c ⎠

p2 p2c2 c2
3. Divide by coefficient of the v 2 term: v2 = = =
m02 + p 2 c 2 m02 c 2 + p 2 m02 c 2 p 2 + 1

c
4. Take the square root: v=
1 + ( m0 c p )
2

Insight: Because the relativistic momentum equation can be inverted to solve for the velocity, the velocity and
momentum have a one-to-one relationship. That is to say, for every velocity there is a unique momentum, and for each
value of the momentum there is a unique velocity.

98. Picture the Problem: The image shows a Σ − particle that travels 3.0 cm
in the laboratory frame before decaying into a pion and a neutron. The
proper lifetime of the initial particle is 0.15 ns.
Strategy: Set the speed equal to the distance divided by the time in the
laboratory frame. Use equation 29-1 to write the time Δt in the laboratory
frame in terms of the speed v and proper lifetime Δt0 . Solve the resulting
equation for the particle’s speed.
Solution: 1. Set the velocity equal to the d 1 − v2 c2
d d
distance over time, using equation 29-1 to v= = =
write the time in terms of the proper time: Δt Δt0 1 − v2 c2 Δt0

2. Square both sides of the d 2 (1 − v 2 c 2 )

v =
2
equation and factor out the v2: ( Δt 0 )
2

v 2 ⎡ ( c Δt 0 ) + d 2 ⎤ = d 2 c 2
2
⎣ ⎦
dc
3. Solve the expression for v: v=
( cΔt0 )
2
+ d2
( 3.0 cm ) c
= = 0.55c
( 3.00 ×10 cm/s ) ( 0.15 ns ) + ( 3.0 cm )
10 2 2 2

Insight: The lifetime of the sigma particle is greater than 0.15 ns in the laboratory frame because the time is dilated. It
is therefore possible for it to travel the 3.0 cm at a speed that is less than 32 c.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

99. Picture the Problem: When electrons are accelerated through the 25.0-kV potential difference, the electric field does
work on the electron and gives it kinetic energy.
Strategy: Set the kinetic energy equal to the electrostatic work done on the electron, where the work is the magnitude of
the charge times the magnitude of the potential difference. Use the classical equation 7-6 to calculate the speed.
Solution: Set K = eV and 1
2
mv 2 = eV
2 (1.60 × 10−19 C )( 25.0 × 103 V )
solve for v using equation 7-6:
2eV
v= = = 9.37 × 107 m/s
m 9.11× 10−31 kg
9.37 ×107 m/s
= = 0.312c
3.00 × 108 m/s/c
Insight: The classical kinetic equation overestimates the electron speed in this case by about 3.4% (see below).

100. Picture the Problem: When electrons are accelerated through the 25.0-kV potential difference, the electric field does
work on the electron and gives it kinetic energy.
Strategy: Note the difference between classical and relativistic kinetic energies (see Figure 29-17) when answering the
conceptual question.
Solution: When relativistic effects are included, the speed will be less than that found in the previous question because
the energy related to a given speed is greater in relativity theory than in classical theory (see Figure 29-17).
Insight: The classical kinetic equation overestimates the electron speed in this case by about 3.4% (see below).

101. Picture the Problem: When electrons are accelerated through the 25.0-kV potential difference, the electric field does
work on the electron and gives it kinetic energy.
Strategy: Set the kinetic energy equal to the electrostatic work done on the electron, where the work is the magnitude of
the charge times the magnitude of the potential difference. Use equation 29-9 to calculate the speed according to
relativity. The rest energy of the electron for this problem is
m0 c 2 = ( 9.11× 10−31 kg )( 3.00 × 108 m/s ) 1.60 × 10−16 J/keV = 512.4 keV.
2

⎛ 1 ⎞
Solution: Set K = eV and solve K = m0 c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟ = eV
⎜ 1− v c
2 2 ⎟
for v using equation 29-9: ⎝ ⎠
−2 −2
⎛ eV ⎞ ⎡ 25.0 keV ⎤
v = c 1 − ⎜1 + 2 ⎟
= c 1 − ⎢1 + ⎥ = 0.301 c
⎝ m0 c ⎠ ⎣ 512.4 keV ⎦
Insight: The classical kinetic equation overestimates the electron speed in this case by about 3.4%. Note that the actual
(2006 recommended value) rest energy of the electron is 510.999 keV. The difference is due to rounding of m0 and c.

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

102. Picture the Problem: When electrons are accelerated through a 250-kV potential difference, the electric field does
work on the electron and gives it kinetic energy.
Strategy: Set the kinetic energy equal to the electrostatic work done on the electron, where the work is the magnitude of
the charge times the magnitude of the potential difference. Use equation 29-9 to calculate the speed according to
relativity. The rest energy of the electron for this problem is
m0 c 2 = ( 9.11× 10−31 kg )( 3.00 × 108 m/s ) 1.60 × 10−16 J/keV = 512.4 keV.
2

⎛ 1 ⎞
Solution: Set K = eV and solve K = m0 c 2 ⎜ − 1⎟ = eV
⎜ 1 − v2 c2 ⎟
for v using equation 29-9: ⎝ ⎠
−2 −2
⎛ eV ⎞ ⎡ 250 keV ⎤
v = c 1 − ⎜1 + 2 ⎟
= c 1 − ⎢1 + ⎥ = 0.740 c
⎝ m0 c ⎠ ⎣ 512.4 keV ⎦
Insight: In this case the classical kinetic equation predicts a speed of 0.988c, an overestimate of the electron speed of
about 33%. Note that the actual (2006 recommended value) rest energy of the electron is 510.999 keV. The difference
between this value and 512.4 keV is due to rounding of m0 and c.

103. Picture the Problem: The image shows the

Picard (1) traveling at 0.806c relative to
Faraway Point (3) and the La Forge (2)
traveling at 0.906c relative to Faraway Point. A
probe (4) is fired from the Picard toward
Faraway Point.

Strategy: Use equation 29-5 to calculate the velocity v41 relative to the Picard that the probe must travel so that it is
approaching Faraway Point at v43 = 0.906c. In this way it will be traveling at the same velocity as the La Forge, and we
can treat the problem in a manner identical to that described in Example 29-4, except to replace the La Forge with the
probe. In part (b) we can use equation 29-5 again to find the probe velocity v41 relative to the Picard so that its velocity
v42 relative to the La Forge is 0.100c. Finally, we can use equation 29-5 once again to find the speed v43 of the probe
relative to Faraway Point when it is traveling at the velocity determined in part (b).
v41 + v13 v43 − v13
Solution: 1. (a) Calculate the speed v41 of the v43 = ⇒ v41 =
probe relative to the Picard, where v43 = 0.906c: 1 + v41v13 c 2 1 − v13 v43 c 2
0.906c − 0.806c
v41 = = 0.371c
1 − ( 0.906 )( 0.806 )
2. (b) Calculate the speed v41 of the probe relative
v42 + v21 0.100c + 0.371c
to the Picard, where v21 = v41 is the speed of the v41 = = = 0.454c
La Forge relative to the Picard, and v42 = 0.100c: 1 + v42 v21 c 2 1 + ( 0.100 )( 0.371)

3. (c) Calculate the speed of the probe relative to v42 + v23 0.100c + 0.906c
v43 = = = 0.922c
Faraway Point by relating its motion to the La Forge: 1 + v42 v23 c 2
1 + ( 0.100 )( 0.906 )
Insight: Because the velocity of the probe relative to the La Forge is greater than zero, the velocity of the probe relative
to Faraway Point must be greater than the 0.906c velocity of the La Forge relative to Faraway Point. Part (c) can also
v41 + v13 0.454c + 0.806c
be solved in relation to the Picard: v43 = = = 0.922c
1 + v41v13 c 2
1 + ( 0.454 )( 0.806 )

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Chapter 29: Relativity James S. Walker, Physics, 4th Edition

104. Picture the Problem: The image shows the

Picard (1) traveling toward Faraway Point (3)
with a velocity of 0.806c and the La Forge (2)
traveling toward Faraway Point with a velocity
of 0.906c. A probe (4) travels toward the Picard
with a velocity of v41 = − 0.906c relative to the
Picard.
Strategy: In each case we can apply equation 29-5 to find the relative velocity of the probe, paying close attention to
the signs of the velocities. Any relative velocity that points toward the left is negative, and those that point to the right
are positive. In part (a) we can use the results of Example 29-4, which showed that the velocity v21 of the La Forge
relative to the Picard is 0.371c, which means that the velocity v12 of the Picard relative to the La Forge is − 0.371c.

Solution: 1. (a) Calculate the velocity v42 v41 + v12 ( − 0.906c ) + ( − 0.371c )
v42 = = = − 0.956c
of the probe relative to the La Forge: 1+ v41v12 c 2
1 + ( − 0.906 )( − 0.371)

2. (b) Calculate the velocity v43 of the probe v41 + v13 ( − 0.906c ) + ( 0.806c )
v43 = = = − 0.371c
relative to the Faraway Point starbase: 1+ v41v13 c 2
1 + ( − 0.906 )( − 0.806 )

Insight: Because the La Forge is approaching Faraway Point with a speed greater than the Picard, it is expected that the
probe would approach the La Forge at a relative speed that is greater than its speed relative to the Picard.

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portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.
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