Question

Two protons move at speed v, one along the x axis and one along the y axis. What is the relative speed of the two protons? Evaluate your answer for the special case v = 3/5 c.

Answer 1

Answer:

0.85 c

Explanation:

When the two travel at right angles to each other , their relative velocity is given by the hypotenuse formed by the x and y direction velocities.

Relative velocity of the two protons is  given as

$\sqrt{v^{2}+v^{2}} = (\sqrt{2} ) v$

If v = 3/5 c , then the relative speed = $\sqrt{2}$ (3/5c) =0.85 c