Question

The Millenium Falcon is chased by the Imperial Forces. The ship is moving at a speed of 0.637 c. Han Solo is shooting at the imperial fighters with his newly installed proton cannon purchased at the MSU Surplus Store for $20.00 plus 6.00% TAX. The cannon emits protons at a speed of 0.851 c with respect to the ship.

What is the velocity of the protons in the resting frame of the movie audience in terms of the speed of the light when the cannon is shot in the forward direction? (Use positive sign for the forward direction, and negative for the backward direction.)

What is the velocity of the protons in the resting frame when the cannon is shot in the backward direction? (Use positive sign for the forward direction, and negative for the backward direction.)

Answer 1