1. A spaceship is heading directly toward Earth at a velocity v of 0.720c. The astronaut on board claims that he can send a canister toward the Earth at u = 1.30c relative to Earth. Calculate the presumed correct velocity u' the canister must have relative to the spaceship Use u = (u' + v)/(1 +vu'/c^2) and solve for u'.

2. Knowing the result from Question 1, what is unreasonable and inconsistent with this problem?

A) A velocity of v = 0.720 c is unreasonable and u > c is inconsistent

B) Exceeding c for u is unreasonable

C) u' exceeding c is inconsistent

D) You cannot have u' exceed c, this is impossible. The velocity u being > c is unreasonable and inconsistent with the laws of relativity.

3. Using this corrected information below, calculate the presumed correct velocity u' the canister must have relative to the spaceship.

A spaceship is heading directly toward Earth at a velocity v of 0.720c. The astronaut on board claims that he can send a canister toward the Earth at u = 0.950c relative to Earth.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Given 0720 v0720c 0950 u0950c Using the relativistic velocity addition form... View the full answer