PHYS 3310 Module 1 Activity 5

Relativistic Velocity Transformation

Practice 1.6.1

A rocket travels at speed 0.5c relative to Earth. The rocket shoots a bullet in the forward direction at speed 0.5c relative to the rocket. Is the bullet’s speed relative to Earth less than, greater than, or equal to c?
A. less than c
B. greater than c
C. equal to c
Check your answer: A. less than c
Practice 1.6.2

A rocket travels at speed 0.5c relative to Earth. The rocket shoots a second bullet in the backward direction at speed 0.5c relative to the rocket. In Earth’s frame, is the bullet moving right, moving left, or at rest?
A. moving right
B. moving left
C. at rest
Practice 1.6.3

The rocket speeds are shown relative to Earth.  Is the speed of A relative to B greater than, less than, or equal to 0.8c?
A. greater than 0.8c
B. less than 0.8c
C. equal to 0.8c
Check your answer: B. less than 0.8c
Practice 1.6.4


What is the velocity of the muon (µ) in the proton’s (p) frame of reference?
A. -(15/23)c
B. (5/23)c
C. -(15/27)c
D. -(5/23)c
E. (15/23)c
Check your answer: C. -(15/27)c