Question

When a missile is shot from one spaceship towards another, it leaves the first at 0.950c and approaches the other at 0.750c. What is the relative velocity of the two ships?

a) 0.200c
b) 0.400c
c) 0.950c
d) 1.700c

Answer 1

The relative velocity of the two spaceships is -0.200c.

Step-by-step explanation:

Relative velocity is the difference in velocities between two objects, taking into account their direction. In this case, the missile leaves the first spaceship at a velocity of 0.950c (where c is the speed of light) and approaches the other spaceship at a velocity of 0.750c. To find the relative velocity, we subtract the velocity of the first spaceship from the velocity of the missile, and then add the velocity of the second spaceship.

Relative velocity = (0.750c - 0.950c) + 0 = -0.200c

Therefore, the relative velocity of the two ships is -0.200c.