A space station S defines an inertial reference frame
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A space station S defines an inertial reference frame. Three spacecraft move along the same straight line:
• Spacecraft A: 4km/s east relative to S
• Spacecraft B: 2km/s east relative to S
• Spacecraft C: 3km/s west relative to S
An asteroid passes the station at 1km/s east relative to S. Which ranking correctly orders the magnitudes of the asteroid’s velocity as measured by observers on spacecraft A, B, and C, from greatest to least?
(a) A > C > B
(b) A > B > C
(c) C > A > B
(d) C > B > A