Introduction to Classical Mechanics · Problem 11.23

Relativity (Kinematics) — Morin

Physics — Mechanics · velocity-addition-via-minkowski

Problem

An object moves at speed v1v_1 with respect to frame S′S'. Frame S′S' moves at speed v2v_2 with respect to frame SS (in the same direction as the motion of the object). What is the speed, uu, of the object with respect to frame SS? Solve this problem (that is, derive the velocity-addition formula) by drawing a Minkowski diagram with frames SS and S′S', drawing the worldline of the object, and doing some geometry.

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