Question concerning the effects of speed on time.

[MShinkle1040]

Sorry if I sound amateur, but I am. I've recently been wondering
about the effects of speed on time dilation. I have read that the
closer you get to the speed of light, the greater the effects are. I
know that movement is relative, and speed is defined by the observer
(I think). So I was thinking, if two objects were traveling parallel
each other in opposite directions towards each other at half the speed
of light as compared to a central point, it would appear to both
objects that the other was traveling at the speed of light. My question is, how would time appear to pass on one of the objects frrom the other. Also, what would happen if light was emitted from one of the objects the moment it passed the other. Would the light seem to float in space?

1/2 the speed of light
O----------------------------------->

<---------------------------------O
1/2 the speed of light

 

[Drakkith]

Neither would see the other as traveling faster than the speed of light. there's an equation to find out how fast each sees the other going, but I don't know what it is.

My question is, how would time appear to pass on one of the objects frrom the other. Also, what would happen if light was emitted from one of the objects the moment it passed the other. Would the light seem to float in space?

Both would observe the other to have slower passing time I believe. If light was emitted the moment they passed each other, they would receive that light after they passed and it would appear redshifted to a certain amount since both are moving away from each other. (Remember that EVERYONE, no matter their velocity ALWAYS sees light travel at c. It will never stand still.)

 

[Rap]

The observers would not see each other approaching at the speed of light. You are adding velocities together, and in relativity, velocities don't add. If the two people were heading towards each other at 2/3 the speed of light (with respect to you), then, if the velocities added, they would see each other approaching at 4/3 the speed of light, which is impossible.