Relativity - relative velocity

In summary, the conversation was about getting advice and confirmation on a problem involving an enemy space rocket firing a missile at a planet. The problem included calculating the time it would take for the missile to reach the planet and finding the relative speed of the missile to the rocket. The solution was deemed correct.
  • #1
henrco
47
2
Hi,
Could i please get advice on this problem and confirm that my approach and solution are correct?
Thanks in advance.

1. Homework Statement
An enemy space rocket traveling at speed 0.8c towards the planet Zog fires a missile in the direction parallel to its own path. Relative to the rocket, the missile travels at v = 0.6c.

a)How long will the missile take to reach Zog if it is 2 light years distant (in the rest frame of the planet) at the
time of firing?

b) Find the relative speed of the missile to the rocket:

Homework Equations


upload_2016-3-17_14-35-1.png


The Attempt at a Solution



upload_2016-3-17_14-36-44.png
[/B]
 
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  • #2
Looks good to me.
 
  • Like
Likes henrco
  • #3
Excellent, thank you.
 

Related to Relativity - relative velocity

1. What is relative velocity in the context of relativity?

Relative velocity refers to the speed of an object or observer in relation to another object or reference point. In the theory of relativity, it is used to describe how the perceived speed and direction of an object can vary depending on the observer's frame of reference.

2. How does relative velocity affect time dilation?

In the theory of relativity, time dilation occurs when an object is moving at a high velocity relative to another object. This causes time to appear to pass slower for the moving object compared to the stationary object, as observed by an outside observer. This effect is directly related to the concept of relative velocity.

3. Can relative velocity be greater than the speed of light?

No, according to the theory of relativity, the speed of light is the fastest possible speed in the universe. This means that relative velocities cannot exceed the speed of light, as it would violate the laws of physics.

4. How does relative velocity impact the perception of space?

In the theory of relativity, relative velocity also affects the perception of space. As an object's velocity increases, its length in the direction of motion appears to contract from the perspective of an outside observer. This phenomenon is known as length contraction.

5. Can relative velocity be used to explain the twin paradox?

Yes, the twin paradox is a thought experiment often used to explain the concept of relative velocity in the theory of relativity. It involves one twin staying on Earth while the other travels through space at high speeds. When the traveling twin returns, they will have aged less than the stationary twin due to the effects of time dilation and relative velocity.

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