AP Physics 2 : Principles of Special Relativity

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 2

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Principles Of Special Relativity

Determine the observed length of a  rod traveling along it's long axis at  in relation to an observer.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Using the formula for length contraction:

Where is the rest length,

is the velocity of the object

is the speed of light

is the observed length

Plugging in values

Example Question #1 : Principles Of Special Relativity

Determine the observed length of a  rod traveling along it's long axis at  in relation to an observer.

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Use the following equation:

Where is the rest length,

is the velocity of the object

is the speed of light

is the observed length

Plugging in values

Example Question #1 : Principles Of Special Relativity

 long rod is traveling at  in relationship to an observer along it's long axis. Determine the observed length.

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Using

Plugging in values

Example Question #3 : Principles Of Special Relativity

 tall rocket is traveling at  in relationship to an observer along it's long axis. Determine the observed length.

Possible Answers:

None of these

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Using

Plugging in values

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