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 - Problems - Page 769: 50

Answer

0.65c.

Work Step by Step

Let the Enterprise move in the positive direction. Call the alien vessel reference frame S, and let the Earth be reference frame S'. The velocity of the Earth relative to the aliens is $v=-0.60c$. The velocity of the Enterprise relative to the Earth is $u’=0.90c$. Use equation 26-10 to find the velocity of the Enterprise relative to the alien vessel. $$u=\frac{v+u’}{(1+\frac{vu’}{c^2})}=\frac{-0.60c+0.90c}{1+(-0.60)(0.90)}=0.65c$$
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