Lorentz Velocity Transformations Question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of a positron in the rest frame of an electron, given their respective speeds of 0.5c and 0.7c in the lab frame. A participant seeks verification of their solution and expresses appreciation for the forum's assistance in understanding Modern Physics. The conversation highlights the importance of deriving formulas for deeper comprehension, as opposed to merely applying them. Another participant notes that the derived velocity addition formula appears correct but questions why it wasn't used directly. The exchange emphasizes the value of understanding foundational concepts in physics through derivation.
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Homework Statement



An electron and a positron are observed from the lab to move in opposite
directions with a speed of 0.5c and 0.7c, respectively. Find the speed of the
positron when observed in the electron's rest frame.


Homework Equations


in attached PDF


The Attempt at a Solution


in attached PDF
---------------------%------------------
I would like you to check my solution, if it is wrong, show me where i went wrong, and give me a hint, if it's right, gimme a cookie!
this forum has been helping me immensely with Modern Physics.

Please refer to the attached Document
 

Attachments

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You ended up deriving the velocity addition formula. I wonder why you could not just have used it directly. The result seems correct.
 
if i don't derive it a couple of times myself, i won't memorize it, and i won't know "what" it means, ...
i was taught physics 1 by a great professor who didn't use except two formulas (f=ma, and a=+- 9.8) we had to derive everything else..
i remember he said once when we told him it was hard to derive the displacement from the acceleration... he looked at us with such a stare and said "Wow... are you all really that stupid! It's not that hard"...
 
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