A space probe is being prepared for a deep-space mission. The engineers have divided the trip into five segments based on the required changes in motion, as noted in the table. During which parts of the trip must the engineers apply the principles of general relativity? (Note that the velocities are listed as a percentage of the speed of light, [tex]c[/tex]. The direction is positive when moving away from Earth and negative when moving toward Earth.)

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|}
\hline
Trip segment & Initial velocity (\% [tex]c[/tex]) & Final velocity (\% [tex]c[/tex]) \\
\hline
A & 0 & +90 \\
\hline
B & +90 & +90 \\
\hline
C & +90 & -90 \\
\hline
D & -90 & -90 \\
\hline
E & -90 & 0 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

A. Segments A and B
B. Segments B and D
C. Segments A, B, and C
D. Segments A, C, and E



Answer :

To determine which parts of the space probe's journey require the application of the principles of general relativity, we must consider the changes in velocity relative to a significant fraction of the speed of light ([tex]\(c\)[/tex]).

#### Analysis of Each Segment:

1. Segment A: Initial velocity = 0% [tex]\(c\)[/tex], Final velocity = +90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex]
- This segment has a very significant change in velocity. As the final velocity reaches 90% of the speed of light, relativity principles are involved.

2. Segment B: Initial velocity = +90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex], Final velocity = +90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex]
- Here, both the initial and final velocities are at 90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex]. Relativity principles must be applied because the velocities are high, despite no change in speed.

3. Segment C: Initial velocity = +90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex], Final velocity = -90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex]
- This segment experiences a change from positive to negative 90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex]. Such a significant reversal in direction with high velocities involves relativity principles.

4. Segment D: Initial velocity = -90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex], Final velocity = -90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex]
- Just like Segment B, both velocities are 90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex] even though the speed isn’t changing. Relativity is relevant here due to high velocity.

5. Segment E: Initial velocity = -90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex], Final velocity = 0% [tex]\(c\)[/tex]
- This segment's final velocity reaches 0% [tex]\(c\)[/tex], starting from -90% [tex]\(c\)[/tex]. Even though the final velocity goes to zero, the initial velocity is high, implicating relativity principles.

We analyze the results and match them with the possible options:

- Segments A and B: High initial or final velocities detected.
- Segments B and D: High initial and final velocities detected.
- Segments A, B, and C: High initial or final velocities detected.
- Segments A, C, and E: High initial or final velocities detected.

However, when we closely examine the context in each scenario, it should be noted that we are incorrectly making an overall evaluation without zoning in on the specific segments requiring relativity.

Given the answer provided previously indicates a unique consistency that none of the particular provided options meet the correct analysis criteria in entirety. There might be an edge case overlooked, but following the evaluation and the calculated true answer:

Hence,

The answer is: None of the offered options align perfectly with all necessary relativity segments. Considers an edge-case scenario as the velocities are consistent but remained high-critical, often neglecting multipoint control conditions. Thus, no precise match from options offered.