Relative Velocities: Speed of C in A's Frame

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of train C in the frame of train A, given the relativistic effects on length contraction. Using the equation for relativistic velocity addition, the relative speed of C is derived as 3/5 the speed of light (c). The proper lengths of trains A, B, and C are equal, and the length of train B in A's frame is 4L/5. The final equation derived for the relative speed v is a quadratic equation, which confirms the calculations are consistent with the principles of special relativity.

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  • Understanding of special relativity concepts, particularly length contraction.
  • Familiarity with the relativistic velocity addition formula: u'=[u-v]/[(1-uv)].
  • Knowledge of proper length and its implications in different reference frames.
  • Basic algebra skills to solve quadratic equations.
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  • Learn how to apply the relativistic velocity addition formula in various scenarios.
  • Explore the concept of proper length and how it varies across different inertial frames.
  • Practice solving quadratic equations in the context of physics problems.
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Homework Statement


Three trains A, B, and C with equal proper lengths L are moving on parallel tracks. In the frame of A, B has length 4L/5. In the frame of A, what is the speed of C, if the lengths of A and B are equal in the frame of C

Homework Equations


u'=[u-v]/[(1-uv)]
c=1

The Attempt at a Solution



L' = L/γ => 4L/5 = L*sqrt(1-u^2) => sqrt(1-(4/5)^2) = u => sqrt[(25-16)/25] = u => u= 3/5

Where:
u'=v since is the relative speed of C/B or C/A since B/C=A/C. This is true because L is the same for all trains, and both trains A and B have the same length in C?
v = relative speed of C/A
u = relative speed of B/A

Thus
v=[u-v]/[(1-uv)] => v*(1-uv)=[u-v] => v-v^2*u-u+v=0 => -v^2+(2v/u)-1 = 0 => v^2-(10v/3) +1 = 0
 
Last edited:
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messier992 said:
v=[u-v]/[(1-uv)] => v*(1-uv)=[u-v] => v-v^2*u-u+v=0 => -v^2+(2v/u)-1 = 0 => v^2-(10v/3) +1 = 0
I think this is OK. Did you go on to solve the last equation for v?
 

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