Exam-style question
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In a spacetime diagram, the proper time between two events is represented by:.
- A.the length of the spacelike separation
- B.the length of the timelike separation
- C.the angle between worldlines
- D.the area of the rectangle
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- the length of the timelike separation
Explanation
Why this works
Formula/rule: Δτ = √(Δt² – (Δx/c)²). Substitution: For events with coordinates (t₁, x₁) and (t₂, x₂), Δt = t₂ – t₁ and Δx = x₂ – x₁.
Working: The timelike interval is the invariant length of the worldline connecting the events, giving Δτ. Answer: proper time is represented by the timelike separation in the diagram.
Units/conclusion: proper time is measured in seconds.
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