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Relativity Questiosn from Jacaranda (1 Viewer)

acevipa

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I'm having trouble with these 2 questions in Chapter 5 of Jacaranda:

6. You are in a spaceship, heading, you think, in free motion towards pluto; however you are far from any reference point to check your progress. Suddenly, a comet approaches from behind and overtakes you, heading in the same direction. Which of the following interpretations of events is correct and how could you tell?

a) The comet is also travelling towards Pluto but at a higher speed.
b) Your spaceship is stationary but the comet is heading towards Pluto.
c) The comet is stationary and you are travelling away from Pluto.
d) You are both travelling away from Pluto, but you have a higher speed.

7. How could you tell is your spacecraft, far from any planet or star. is standing still or travelling with a uniform velocity? What is the name given to this idea?
 

JollyJohn

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6 is a trick question, all options are possible
7 "What is the name given to this idea?" relativity? inertial frames of reference? common sense? no specific name comes to mind
 

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