Determine the magnitude of and direction of the velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves understanding the relativistic velocity addition of two spacecraft, one launched at a velocity of 0.600c at an angle of 50 degrees, and another moving at 0.700c in the negative x direction. The objective is to determine the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the first spacecraft as observed from the second spacecraft.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of relativistic velocity addition formulas, with some attempting to derive the equations for the y-component of velocity. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the equations and whether similar equations exist for the x-component.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants providing equations and suggesting approaches. There is no explicit consensus yet, but several lines of reasoning are being explored regarding the relativistic effects on velocity components.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of relativistic physics, including the need for gamma factors and the implications of the spacecraft's velocities being fractions of the speed of light. There may be assumptions about the reference frames that are not fully articulated.

azatkgz
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I have problems on understanding Relativity.So can someone check this one.

Homework Statement





Homework Equations


A spacecraft is launched from the surface of the with velocity of 0.600c at an angle of
[tex]50^{\circle}[/tex] above the horizontal positive x axis.Another spacecraft is moving past,with a velocity of 0.700c in the negative x direction..Determine the magnitude of and direction of the velocity of the first spacecraft as measured by the pilot of the second spacecraft .


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]v_{1x}=0.6c\times cos50^{\circle}[/tex]
[tex]v'_x=\frac{v_{1x}+v_2}{1+\frac{v_{1x}v_2}{c^2}}[/tex]
[tex]v'_y=v_1sin50^{\circle}[/tex]
[tex]v'=\sqrt{v'_x+v'_y}[/tex]
[tex]tan\theta'=\frac{v'_y}{v'_x}[/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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the equation in the y direction is:
[tex]v_y'=\frac{v_y}{(1+v_xv/c^2)\gamma(v))}[/tex]
other than this it looks good to me.
 
Like this
[tex]v'_y=\frac{v_1sin50\sqrt{1-v_1^2/c^2}}{(1+v_1^2cos50/c^2)}[/tex]?
 
but should be there similar equation for [tex]v_{1x}[/tex] ?
 
I think it's best to use these equations:

[tex]u_x' = \frac{u_x - v}{1-u_x v/c^2}[/tex]

[tex]u_y' = \frac{u_y}{\gamma (1-u_x v/c^2)}[/tex]

v is the velocity of the second ship... ie v = -0.700c, and ux' and uy' are the speeds measured by this second ship...

just plug in ux, uy, v and gamma and you'll have the answers.
 

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