Re: General Theory of Relativity

[brian whatcott <inet@INTELLISYS.NET>]

At 13:45 12/11/98 -0500, you wrote:
> I have a question if anyone has ideas on how to present to introductory
> level students , the concept of  when two objects are approaching each
> other close to the speed of light that their combined speed between them
> cannot be greater than the speed of light. I have tried to relay the
> concept to my students, but I am not reaching them.
> Any help would be great
>
> Kevin Sonntag
> KHS
Describing this scenario in Newtonian terms is not helpful.
They are not approaching each other at near light speed (absolute);
rather, an observer might measure both their speeds as near
light speed on reciprocal headings, but each will observe a
different speed for the other because the additive speed
addition rule does not apply at the high speed limit.

Brian
brian whatcott <inet@intellisys.net>
Altus OK