Final answer:
Traveling at a speed of 2.973 x 10⁸ m/s for 1 day would result in significant time dilation due to the velocity being close to the speed of light, as described by the theory of special relativity. Therefore, the correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we travel at a speed of 2.973 x 10⁸ m/s for 1 day, which is close to the speed of light (c), we would experience significant time dilation. According to Einstein's theory of special relativity, as an object's velocity approaches the speed of light relative to an observer, time dilation becomes more pronounced.
The time dilation can be calculated using the Lorentz factor (also denoted as gamma or γ), but since detailed calculations would require the exact velocity as a fraction or multiple of the speed of light and the exact time spent traveling, a general answer will indicate that a noticeable difference in the passage of time will occur compared to an observer at rest or traveling at much slower speeds.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question would be c. Time dilation will be significant. This is because the stated speed is very close to the speed of light, causing a scenario where time for the traveler would pass slower than for an observer who is stationary relative to them.