Final answer:
Relativistic velocity addition is a concept in physics that corrects the classical mechanism of additive velocities when considering high-speed objects near the speed of light, consistent with the principles of Einstein's theory of Special Relativity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to relativistic velocity addition, which is a concept in Einstein's theory of Special Relativity. In classical mechanics, velocities add linearly: u = v + u', where v is the velocity of one observer relative to another, u is the velocity of an object relative to the first observer, and u' is the velocity relative to the second observer.
However, this simple addition breaks down when dealing with velocities that are a significant fraction of the speed of light. The relativistic velocity addition formula is necessary because the speed of light, c, is the cosmic speed limit and cannot be exceeded by adding velocities.
According to Einstein's second postulate of relativity, light's speed is constant regardless of the observer's motion. For example, if a car is moving and turns on its headlights, the light moves away from the car at speed c, but also towards an observer on the sidewalk at speed c.
Thus, unlike in classical mechanics, the velocities don't simply add up. Instead, the relativistic velocity addition formula must be used, taking into account the effects of relativity.
For high-speed objects, classical velocity addition is a good approximation only for small velocities. It is the relativistic formula that accurately describes the behavior of objects moving at speeds that are substantial fractions of the speed of light.