World Science Scholars
5.5 The Mathematics of Speed
problems
Problem

Module 05: The Mathematics of Speed - Problem Set 1

Let’s get some more practice with the new velocity combination law. Imagine that you have a multistage rocket in which the first stage blasts off from the ground at v1v_1, the second stage blasts off later with speed v2v_2 relative to the first stage, and the third stage blasts off later still with speed v3v_3 relative to the second stage.
  1. 1. Question

    From the perspective of someone stationary on the ground, what is the speed of the second stage? (For ease, assume you are working in units for which c=1c = 1.)

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  2. 2. Question

    From the perspective of someone stationary on the ground, what is the speed of the third stage? (For ease, assume you are working in units for which c=1c = 1).

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