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)200 kg
B)225 kg
C)250 kg
D)275 kg
E)300 kg

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rest mass of the combined object is greater than the sum of the rest masses of the individual satellites due to the relativistic effects. The relativistic mass increases because of the kinetic energy of the satellites, which contributes to the total energy and thus increases the rest mass of the combined object.

Two Satellites with Equal Rest Masses of 100 Kg Are