In an "atom smasher," two particles collide head on at relativistic speeds.If the velocity of the first particle is 0.741c to the left,and the velocity of the second particle is $0.543 c$ to the right (both as measured in the lab rest frame),how fast are the particles moving with respect to each other?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relative velocity of two objects moving at relativistic speeds, $v_1$ and $v_2$, is given by the formula $\frac{v_1 + v_2}{1 + \frac{v_1v_2}{c^2}}$, where $c$ is the speed of light. Substituting $v_1 = -0.741c$ and $v_2 = 0.543c$ (taking left as negative), the calculation yields a relative speed of approximately $0.916c$, making option A correct.

In an "Atom Smasher," Two Particles Collide Head on at Relativistic