Problema Solution
A rocket leaves the earth for the sun at a speed of 28,800 mph. At the same time, a photon of light leaves the sun for the earth. If we assume they are on flight paths that allow them to meet, how far will the rocket be from earth when when the photon of light hits it?
Answer provided by our tutors
let
v = 28,800 mph the speed of the rocket
c = 670,616,629 mph is the speed of the photon of light
d = 92,900,000 mi the distance between the Earth and the Sun
t = the time of the travel
vt + ct = d
t(v + c) = d
t(28800 + 670616629) = 92900000
by solving we find:
t = 0.1385 hr
click here to see the step by step solution of the equation:
the distance of the rocket from the Earth will be: v*t = 28,800*0.1385 = 3,988.8 mi.