Exam-style question
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Which equation correctly expresses the relationship between dilated time Δt and proper time Δτ for an object moving at speed v?.
- A.Δt = γ Δτ
- B.Δt = Δτ / γ
- C.Δt = γ / Δτ
- D.Δt = Δτ × γ
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Δt = γ Δτ
Explanation
Why this works
The time dilation relation is Δt = γ Δτ, where γ = 1/√(1 − v²/c²). Substituting γ gives Δt = (1/√(1 − v²/c²)) Δτ.
This shows that the dilated time Δt is always greater than the proper time Δτ for v > 0.
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