Two spaceships are traveling through space at 0.60 c relative to the Earth. If the ships are headed directly toward each other, what is their approach velocity, as measured by a person on either craft?
A)4.2c
B)1.2c
C)c
D)0.60c
E)none of the given answers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relativistic velocity addition formula must be used: v = (v1 + v2) / (1 + v1*v2/c^2). Here, v1 = 0.60c and v2 = 0.60c, resulting in an approach velocity less than c.

Two Spaceships Are Traveling Through Space at 0