An observer on the Earth sees the U.S.S.Enterprise approaching from one direction at 0.60 c and a Klingon Battle Cruiser approaching from the opposite direction.According to Mr.Spock,who is aboard the Enterprise,the Klingon Battle Cruiser is approaching the Enterprise,that 0.80 c.What is the speed of the Klingon Battle Cruiser as observed from Earth?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We can use the relativistic velocity addition formula to solve this problem:
v = (v1 + v2) / (1 + v1v2/c^2)

Where:

v1 = 0.60 c (velocity of the Enterprise as observed from Earth)
v2 = -0.80 c (velocity of the Klingon Battle Cruiser as observed from the Enterprise)
c = 3.00 x 10^8 m/s (speed of light)

Plugging in the values, we get:

v = (0.60 c - 0.80 c) / (1 - (0.60 c)(-0.80 c)/c^2) = 0.38 c

Therefore, the speed of the Klingon Battle Cruiser as observed from Earth is 0.38 c, which corresponds to choice D).

An Observer on the Earth Sees the U