...traveling towards each other at close to the speed of light. One is going 2.9x10^8 m/s and the other is going 2.8x10^8 m/s.
Using this formula.. u = (v + w) / 1 + vw / c^2
w = velocity of one ship
v = velocity of the other ship
c = speed of light in a vacuum
u = speed observed by the two spaceships on the other
This is to show the break-down of "addition rule of velocites" at the speed of light.
2006-07-03 09:56:33 · 3 answers · asked by trancevanbuuren 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Assume they are travelling thru' a vacuum..
2006-07-03 10:11:11 · update #1
Obviously because of relativitic effects the velocity is going to be below the speed of light.
May I ask a favour and request velocities be expressed as ratios of the speed of light? Your significant digits are going to be a bit inadequate.
2006-07-03 10:04:17 · answer #1 · answered by Ѕємι~Мαđ ŠçїєŋŧιѕТ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
here is the super simple answer thrust minus weight equals speed. how ever a body in motion stays in motion. you need to go to the nasa site and ask the question. in the vaccume of space a foward moving object may increase speed over time.
2006-07-10 16:46:34 · answer #2 · answered by us veteran 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you mean u = (v + w) /( 1 + vw / c^2)
Use the unit 10^8 m/s.
u = (2.9 +2.8) /( 1 + 2.9*2.8 / 3.0^2) = 2,996
So their relative speed is 2,996 * 10^8 m/s.
2006-07-03 17:05:07 · answer #3 · answered by Thermo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋