A spaceship is moving east at speed 0.82c relative to earth. a second spaceship is moving west at speed 0.82c relative to earth. what is the speed of one spaceship relative to the other spaceship?

Question

Physics

Kamryn Avery

28 October, 18:59

A spaceship is moving east at speed 0.82c relative to earth. a second spaceship is moving west at speed 0.82c relative to earth. what is the speed of one spaceship relative to the other spaceship?

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Georgia Barrett · Answer 1

Using the velocity addition formula v = (u - w) / (1 - uw) in natural units,

v = (0.82 - (-0.82)) / (1 - (0.82) (-0.82)) = 0.98 (2 s. f.)

or 0.98c in standard units.