An Astronaut Traveling at Very High Speeds to Proxima Centauri

question 70

Multiple Choice

An astronaut traveling at very high speeds to Proxima Centauri, which is 4.3 light-years from Earth, would arrive in fewer than 4.3 years, from his or her perspective.This is because

• A) he or she can travel faster than the speed of light.
• B) a light-year is longer than the distance light travels in 1 year.
• C) radioactive particles (muons) will interfere with the astronaut's clock.
• D) Proxima Centauri appears to be farther than it is due to the travel time of light.
• E) the astronaut will measure a shorter distance than 4.3 light-years.

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Definitions:

Genetic-Programming

The biological process by which genes direct the development, behavior, and physical traits of an organism.

Hayflick Limit

A theory suggesting that most human cells have a limit to how many times they can divide, linked to the aging process.

Primary Aging

The natural and inevitable biological and physiological changes that occur with advancing age, regardless of health habits.

Secondary Aging

The aging process that results from lifestyle choices and environmental factors, in contrast to primary aging which is genetically driven.