C738 PHYS 3262
Space, Time & Motion
FA REVIEW
©WGU 2024/2025
,1. Which of the following statements accurately describes the
theory of special relativity?
A) Time dilation and mass increase occur at speeds lesser than
the speed of light.
B) The laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames of
reference.
C) Speed of light varies based on the observer's motion.
D) Time does not change under any circumstances.
Answer: B
Rationale: The theory of special relativity states that the laws of
physics are invariant in all inertial frames, implying that observers
can measure the same physical phenomena regardless of their
relative motion.
2. A spaceship is traveling at a speed of 0.8c (where c is the speed
of light). According to an observer on Earth, what factor would the
spaceship's time experience compared to the observer's own time?
A) 1.6
B) 0.6
C) 0.2
D) 0.8
Answer: B
©WGU 2024/2025
, Rationale: The time dilation factor (Lorentz factor) can be
calculated using the formula: 1/√(1 - (v²/c²)). Here, with v = 0.8c,
the factor becomes approximately 0.6, meaning time on the
spaceship moves slower by this factor.
3. In the context of general relativity, which of the following
describes the effect of gravity on time?
A) Time runs faster in stronger gravitational fields.
B) Time is unaffected by gravity.
C) Time runs slower in stronger gravitational fields.
D) Gravity has no relation to time.
Answer: C
Rationale: General relativity posits that time runs slower in
stronger gravitational fields, an effect known as gravitational time
dilation.
4. What would be the consequence of traveling near the speed of
light?
A) Reduced mass.
B) Increased energy requirement for acceleration.
C) Time travel to the past.
D) Any of the above.
Answer: D
©WGU 2024/2025
Space, Time & Motion
FA REVIEW
©WGU 2024/2025
,1. Which of the following statements accurately describes the
theory of special relativity?
A) Time dilation and mass increase occur at speeds lesser than
the speed of light.
B) The laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames of
reference.
C) Speed of light varies based on the observer's motion.
D) Time does not change under any circumstances.
Answer: B
Rationale: The theory of special relativity states that the laws of
physics are invariant in all inertial frames, implying that observers
can measure the same physical phenomena regardless of their
relative motion.
2. A spaceship is traveling at a speed of 0.8c (where c is the speed
of light). According to an observer on Earth, what factor would the
spaceship's time experience compared to the observer's own time?
A) 1.6
B) 0.6
C) 0.2
D) 0.8
Answer: B
©WGU 2024/2025
, Rationale: The time dilation factor (Lorentz factor) can be
calculated using the formula: 1/√(1 - (v²/c²)). Here, with v = 0.8c,
the factor becomes approximately 0.6, meaning time on the
spaceship moves slower by this factor.
3. In the context of general relativity, which of the following
describes the effect of gravity on time?
A) Time runs faster in stronger gravitational fields.
B) Time is unaffected by gravity.
C) Time runs slower in stronger gravitational fields.
D) Gravity has no relation to time.
Answer: C
Rationale: General relativity posits that time runs slower in
stronger gravitational fields, an effect known as gravitational time
dilation.
4. What would be the consequence of traveling near the speed of
light?
A) Reduced mass.
B) Increased energy requirement for acceleration.
C) Time travel to the past.
D) Any of the above.
Answer: D
©WGU 2024/2025
