Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 26 - The Special Theory of Relativity - Questions - Page 766: 20

Answer

Our intuitive notion that velocities simply add is wrong, but not completely wrong.

Work Step by Step

At everyday speeds, for all intents and purposes, velocities do simply add and our intuition is all right. However, at very high speeds approaching c, relativistic effects invalidate that formula. The true velocity addition formula is given by equation 26-10.
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