Length Contraction: an Astronaut Leaves Earth in a Spaceship at a Speed

question 40

Multiple Choice

Length contraction: An astronaut leaves Earth in a spaceship at a speed of 0.960c relative to an observer on Earth. The astronaut's destination is a star system 14.4 light-years away. (One light-year is the distance light travels in one year.) According to the astronaut, how long does the trip take?

• A) 14.4 y
• B) 22.7 y
• C) 9.34 y
• D) 15.0 y
• E) 4.20 y

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Definitions:

Technical Goods

Products designed with a specific technical or functional purpose, often requiring specialized knowledge to use.

Heckscher-Ohlin Theorem

An economic theory stating that countries will export goods that require resources (factors of production) that are abundant and import goods that require resources in short supply.

Trade Flows

The movement of goods and services between countries, often measured in terms of imports and exports.

Factor Endowments

The quantity and quality of labor, land, and natural resources of a country.