HSC Physics — Module 7
Time Dilation — Flashcards & Quiz
Time dilation is one of the most surprising consequences of special relativity and a fixture in HSC Physics Module 7: Nature of Light. You need to identify which observer measures proper time, apply the Lorentz factor, and explain how muon decay at high altitude provides experimental evidence. Examiners reward precision: time dilation is reciprocal — each inertial observer sees the other's clock running slow — but proper time is unique to the frame in which the two events occur at the same place.
Sample Flashcards
Q1: What is time dilation?
A moving clock runs slower relative to a stationary observer. Formula: t = t₀/√(1 - v²/c²) = γt₀, where t₀ is proper time (measured by the moving observer), t is dilated time, and γ = 1/√(1 - v²/c²) is the Lorentz factor.
Sample Quiz Questions
Q1: A clock moving relative to an observer appears to run faster than a stationary clock.
Answer: FALSE
A moving clock appears to run SLOWER (time dilation). t = γt₀ where γ > 1, so dilated time is always longer than proper time.
Related Concepts
Last updated: March 2026 · 1 flashcards · 1 quiz questions