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: 53

Answer

0.34 c

Work Step by Step

Let the positive direction be the direction of your ship. Let your spaceship’s reference frame be S and the planet’s reference frame be S’. The velocity of the planet relative to your spaceship is v = -0.90c. The velocity of the probe relative to the planet is u’=+0.95c. Use the relativistic velocity addition formula, equation 26–10, to find the velocity of the probe as measured by your ship. $$u=\frac{v+u’}{1+\frac{vu’}{c^2}}$$ $$u=\frac{-0.90c+0.95c}{1+(-0.90)(0.95)}=0.34c$$
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