Two particles in a particle accelerator are moving towards each other. They each have a speed of 250,000 km/s relative to the ground. How fast will they be moving relative to each other?
Responses
1. Less than 250,000 km/s
2. 250,000 km/s
3. 500,000 km/s
4. Between 250,000 and 500,000 km/s
The correct answer is 1. Less than 250,000 km/s.
When two particles are moving towards each other, their velocities relative to each other will be subtracted. Therefore, the relative velocity between the two particles will be less than the individual speeds of the particles.