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Relativistic snapshot (Posted on 2006-05-26) Difficulty: 3 of 5
The Theory of Relativity is not required to solve this problem.

The Lightway Express boasts half the speed of light. According to the advertisements, this relativistic speed literally shortens long trips. This is true. At one point, the train goes through a tunnel of about 111.8 km, but from the train's point of view, it is exactly 100 km long.

As a curious tourist, I resolved to experience relativistic speeds, and furthermore, bring home memories in photo form. So while I was riding the Lightway Express, I pointed my camera out a window, and took a picture of the entire 100 km tunnel. Later, when I examined my excellently timed photo, I was disappointed to find that the picture showed a tunnel that was much longer than 100 km.

How long is the tunnel in my photo, and why is it longer than I expected? Was I looking out the front or the back window of the train?

See The Solution Submitted by Tristan    
Rating: 3.3333 (3 votes)

Comments: ( You must be logged in to post comments.)
  Subject Author Date
Some ThoughtsPuzzle Thoughts K Sengupta2023-05-06 00:02:05
re: false!Tristan2007-02-28 03:06:35
Some Thoughtsfalse!matt2006-08-06 12:39:31
Solutiondfntly nt th sltnLeming2006-06-12 16:53:23
re(5): SolutionEric2006-06-07 00:21:52
re(4): SolutionKen Haley2006-06-06 01:56:59
re(3): SolutionTristan2006-06-04 09:29:42
re(2): SolutionKen Haley2006-05-30 02:05:05
Some Thoughtsre: Solutiontomarken2006-05-29 07:41:03
SolutionSolutionKen Haley2006-05-29 01:41:32
re: A QuestionTristan2006-05-26 16:41:19
QuestionA Questiontomarken2006-05-26 16:19:54
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