Special Relativity and spaceships

[pakqft]

Homework Statement

Two identical spaceships,each 200 m long in its rest frame pass one another traveling in opposite directions.According to a passenger in one of the spaceships,the relative velocity of the two spaceships is 0.58c.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

What the length of each spaceship in a reference frame in which both are of equal length?

 

[BruceW]

you need to have a go at the problem yourself, before we can offer advice. think about what equations you need to use.

 

[pakqft]

I don't know but it may be length contraction.

 

[HallsofIvy]

A "reference frame in which both are of equal length" is one in which the two space ships have the same speed. What would that be?

 

[BruceW]

yes. The problem is about length contraction. And as HallsofIvy is saying, you need to work out what is the transform to a frame where both ships are traveling at same speed. Then you can use this to work out what is the length of the ship in this frame.

 

[pakqft]

Thank you so much for your advices