Two rocket ships are racing toward Earth, as shown in FIGURE 29-34. Ship A is in the lead, approaching the Earth at 0.80c and separating from ship B with a relative speed of 0.50c.

(a) As seen from Earth, what is the speed, v, of ship B?

(b) If ship A increases its speed by 0.10c relative to the Earth, does the relative speed between ship A and ship B increase by 0.10c, by more than 0.10c, or by less than 0.10c? Explain.

(c) Find the relative speed between ships A and B for the situation described in part (b).

Figure 29-34

Ship B Ship A 0.80c