Tom is going to your left at 90% of the speed of light and Joan is going to your right at 90% of the speed of light.What will Tom say about you and Joan?
A)You are moving away from him at 90% the speed of light.Joan is moving away from him at 180% of the speed of light.
B)You are moving away from him at 90% the speed of light.Joan is moving away from him at as speed that is faster than 90% of the speed of light,but slower than the whole speed of light.
C)You are moving away from him at 90% the speed of light.Joan is moving away from him at as speed of light.
D)You and Joan are both moving away from him at 90% the speed of light.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the theory of relativity, there is no such thing as absolute motion. Each observer will perceive the motion of other objects differently, depending on their reference point. From Tom's perspective, you will appear to be moving away from him at 90% of the speed of light, and Joan will also appear to be moving away from him at 90% of the speed of light. However, since Joan is moving in the opposite direction, her velocity will add up, and Tom will perceive her to be moving away at a speed that is faster than 90% of the speed of light, but still less than the whole speed of light. This is because the velocity addition formula in relativity differs from classical mechanics.

Tom Is Going to Your Left at 90% of the Speed