What is the Speed of Ship A as Observed from Ship B?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of one spaceship as observed from another using relativistic velocity addition. Ship A is moving at 0.753c and Ship B at 0.851c as observed from Earth. The participant initially miscalculated the speed of Ship A as observed from Ship B, arriving at 0.2728c. They realized the error was due to not accounting for the negative sign in the equation, which is crucial for accurate results. The correct approach confirms that the relative speed should indeed be less than the speeds observed from Earth.
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Homework Statement


Nevermind, got it.
Two spaceships approach the Earth from opposite directions. According to an observer on the Earth, ship A is moving at a speed of 0.753c and ship B at a speed of 0.851c. What is the speed of ship A as observed from ship B? Of ship B as observed from ship A?

Homework Equations


v = (v' + u) / (1+ (v'u)/(c^2))
and so
v' = (u - v) / ((vu)/(c^2) - 1)

The Attempt at a Solution


u is the speed of A as observed from Earth.
v is the speed of B as observed from Earth.
v', then, would be the speed of A or B as observed from the other ship.

The values 0.753c and 0.851c plugged in, I get 0.2728c = v'.

The speed of one ship as observed by the other ship should be greater than either of the ship's speeds as observed on earth. So where am I incorrect?
 
Last edited:
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Nevermind, got it just after I posted. I needed a negative! Always a negative.
 
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