Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 37 - Relativity - Problems - Page 1147: 30

Answer

The speed of $Q_2$ as measured by an observer in the reference frame of $Q_1$ is $~~0.59~c$

Work Step by Step

Let $u'$ be the velocity of $Q_2$ in our reference frame Then $u' = 0.400c$ Let $v$ be our velocity relative to $Q_1$ Then $v = -0.800c$ We can find $u$ which is the velocity of $Q_2$ as measured by an observer in the reference frame of $Q_1$: $u = \frac{u'+v}{1+u'~v/c^2}$ $u = \frac{0.400c-0.800c}{1+(0.400c)(-0.800c)/c^2}$ $u = -0.59c$ The speed of $Q_2$ as measured by an observer in the reference frame of $Q_1$ is $~~0.59~c$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.