An observer on the Earth sees the U.S.S.Enterprise approaching from one direction at 0.600 c and a Klingon Battle Cruiser approaching from the opposite direction at 0.800 c.According to Mr.Spock,who is aboard the Enterprise,what is the speed of the Klingon Battle Cruiser?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the relativistic velocity addition formula,v_total=(v1+v2)/(1+(v1*v2)/c^2), the relative velocity of the Klingon Battle Cruiser with respect to the observer on Earth is v= (0.800c+(-0.600c))/(1+(0.800c*(-0.600c))/c^2)= 1.40 c/(1-0.48)=0.95 c. Therefore, the correct choice is C.

An Observer on the Earth Sees the U