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Modern Physics
Modern Physics

Relativistic Velocity Addition

u=u′+v1+u′vc2u = \frac{u' + v}{1 + \frac{u'v}{c^2}}

How velocities add in special relativity. Ensures no velocity exceeds c.

Variables

u
Velocity in S frame
m/s
u'
Velocity in S' frame
m/s
v
Relative velocity of frames
m/s
c
Speed of light
m/s

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Common questions

What is the Relativistic Velocity Addition formula?

Relativistic Velocity Addition is written u = frac{u' + v}{1 + u'v/c²}. How velocities add in special relativity. Ensures no velocity exceeds c. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Special Relativity.

What are the units in u = frac{u' + v}{1 + u'v/c²}?

In SI units, u is velocity in s frame, measured in m/s; u' is velocity in s' frame, measured in m/s; v is relative velocity of frames, measured in m/s; c is speed of light, measured in m/s.