Consider two spaceships moving relative to each other. The relative velocity of each spaceship is the velocity the other spaceship sees it moving at. Both relative velocities are equal in magnitude (equal speeds) but opposite in direction. If one spaceship fires a missile at 0.745c at the other spaceship as it approaches and the other spaceship observes the missile approaching it at 0.96c, what is the ratio of the first spaceship’s relative velocity to the speed of light? Assume the velocity toward the observer is considered positive.

Modern Physics
3rd Edition
ISBN:9781111794378
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Chapter1: Relativity I
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 38P: A spacecraft is launched from the surface of the Earth with a velocity of 0.600c at an angle of...
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  Consider two spaceships moving relative to each other. The relative velocity of each spaceship is the velocity the other spaceship sees it moving at. Both relative velocities are equal in magnitude (equal speeds) but opposite in direction.

  If one spaceship fires a missile at 0.745c at the other spaceship as it approaches and the other spaceship observes the missile approaching it at 0.96c, what is the ratio of the first spaceship’s relative velocity to the speed of light? Assume the velocity toward the observer is considered positive.

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