Question

Two protons move at speed v, one along the x axis and one along the y axis. What is the relative speed of the two protons? Evaluate your answer for the special case v = 3/5 c.

Answer 1

0.85 c

Step-by-step explanation:

When the two travel at right angles to each other , their relative velocity is given by the hypotenuse formed by the x and y direction velocities.

Relative velocity of the two protons is given as

`\sqrt{v^(2)+v^(2)} = (√(2) ) v`

If v = 3/5 c , then the relative speed =
`√(2)` (3/5c) =0.85 c