Two satellites with equal rest masses of 100 kg are traveling toward each other in deep space. They have identical speeds of 0.600c. The satellites collide and somehow manage to stick together. What
Is the rest mass of the combined object after the collision?
A) 225 kg
B) 275 kg
C) 300 kg
D) 250 kg
E) 200 kg

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rest mass of the combined object after the collision is greater than the sum of the rest masses of the two satellites due to the relativistic effect of mass-energy equivalence. The kinetic energy of the satellites before the collision contributes to the mass of the combined object. The correct calculation involves using the relativistic formula for total energy and converting the kinetic energy into mass. The answer is 250 kg, which accounts for the rest mass of the satellites plus the additional mass equivalent of their kinetic energy.

Two Satellites with Equal Rest Masses of 100 Kg Are