Relativistic speeds going perpendicular

In summary, the conversation discusses the interpretation of speeds between two objects traveling at close to the speed of light along perpendicular axes. The use of a vector version of the relativistic velocity addition formula is necessary to calculate this.
  • #1
Swankie
15
0
Couldnt find anything from 15min of forum searching...

If 2 objects are traveling along say, an x and y axis(or just 90 degrees apart really) at close to c, how do they interpret each others speeds? 0<theta<90 are easy enough. Couldnt find anything about perpendicular though.

A Newtonian version of this problem is simple enough but I am not sure when you are going at the speeds I am tlaking about.
 
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  • #2
They're just going to interpret the other one as moving directly away at slightly closer to c.
 

What is the definition of "relativistic speeds going perpendicular"?

Relativistic speeds going perpendicular refers to the motion of an object at very high speeds, in a direction that is perpendicular or at a right angle to its original motion or direction.

What is the significance of relativistic speeds going perpendicular?

This concept is important in the field of physics, specifically in understanding the effects of special relativity on objects moving at high speeds. It also has practical applications in fields such as space travel and particle physics.

How do relativistic speeds going perpendicular affect time and space?

At such high speeds, time and space become distorted due to the effects of special relativity. Time dilation and length contraction occur, meaning time moves slower and objects appear shorter in the direction of motion.

What is the speed limit for objects moving perpendicular to their original direction?

According to the theory of special relativity, the maximum speed an object can travel at is the speed of light, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. However, this limit only applies to objects with mass. Photons, which have no mass, can travel at the speed of light in any direction.

What are some real-life examples of relativistic speeds going perpendicular?

Some examples include particles in particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider, which can reach speeds close to the speed of light in order to study subatomic particles. Another example is spacecraft traveling through the solar system, which can reach high speeds to reach their destinations in a reasonable amount of time.

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