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A particle of mass \(m\) is moving at a speed \(v .\) (a) At what fraction of the speed of light is the momentum of the particle twice the nonrelativistic Newtonian momentum \(p=m v ?\) (b) Can the magnitude of the relativistic momentum ever be less than that of the Newtonian momentum?

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) The particle moves at \( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}c \). (b) No, relativistic momentum can't be less than Newtonian momentum.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the formula for relativistic momentum

The relativistic momentum of an object is given by the formula \( p_{rel} = \frac{mv}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}} \), where \( c \) is the speed of light.
02

Set up the equation for twice the Newtonian momentum

The Newtonian momentum is given by \( p_{Newton} = mv \). We need to find the speed \( v \) where the relativistic momentum is twice this: \( \frac{mv}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}} = 2mv \).
03

Simplify the equation

Cancel the mass \( m \) from both sides of the equation to obtain \( \frac{v}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}} = 2v \).
04

Solve for the speed fraction

Divide both sides by \( v \) (assuming \( v eq 0 \)) to get \( \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}} = 2 \). Square both sides to find \( 1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2} = \frac{1}{4} \).
05

Solve for \( v^2 \)

Rearrange the equation to \( \frac{v^2}{c^2} = 1 - \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{4} \). Thus, \( v^2 = \frac{3}{4}c^2 \).
06

Find the fraction of the speed

Taking the square root gives \( v = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}c \), so the fraction of the speed of light is \( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \).
07

Address the second question

Consider the formula for relativistic momentum \( p_{rel} = \frac{mv}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}} \). As \( v \to 0 \), then \( \sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}} \to 1 \), so \( p_{rel} \to mv \) and cannot be less than \( mv \) as \( v \) increases.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Newtonian momentum
Newtonian momentum is a classical concept in physics that describes the quantity of motion an object possesses. It is calculated simply as the product of an object's mass and velocity, given by the formula \( p_{Newton} = mv \).
This concept is straightforward and applies well for speeds much less than the speed of light. At these everyday speeds, Newtonian physics provides accurate results and is easy to understand.
The simplicity of calculating momentum as mass times velocity makes it an excellent tool for solving many classical mechanics problems.
  • It considers mass and velocity as fixed and unchanging.
  • Useful in everyday situations where speeds are low compared to the speed of light.
  • Applicable to the movement of cars, falling objects, and other similar scenarios.
speed of light
The speed of light is a significant constant in physics, denoted as \( c \) and valued approximately at \( 3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s} \). It is a cornerstone in understanding the universe's behavior and plays a crucial role in special relativity.
One fascinating aspect of the speed of light is that it is a universal constant, meaning that it is the same regardless of the observer's point of view or the movement of the light source. This unique property influences how we understand space and time.
In many physics problems, the speed of light is used as a benchmark or limit, especially since no object with mass can reach or exceed it.
  • It serves a fundamental role in Einstein's theories of relativity.
  • Affects calculations in high-energy physics and cosmology.
  • Acts as the ultimate speed limit in the universe.
special relativity
Special relativity, introduced by Albert Einstein in 1905, revolutionizes our understanding of physics at high speeds close to the speed of light. It fundamentally alters how we perceive time and space, especially compared to classical Newtonian physics.
The theory dictates that the laws of physics are identical for all observers in uniform motion relative to each other, and the speed of light is constant, regardless of the observer's velocity. This leads to phenomena such as time dilation and length contraction.
In our context, special relativity modifies the simple equation for momentum because it accounts for the changes in mass and energy at high speeds.
  • Relativistic momentum becomes necessary for accuracy at high velocities.
  • Explains why objects cannot reach the speed of light.
  • Provides a new framework to understand the universe.
particle physics
Particle physics is a branch of physics that explores the nature of particles that are the fundamental constituents of what we observe in the universe. At its core, it seeks to understand the basic building blocks of matter and the forces that govern their interactions.
It often involves particles moving at speeds near that of light, making the principles of special relativity essential for accurate descriptions. This is where the concept of relativistic momentum comes into play, as described by the equation \( p_{rel} = \frac{mv}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}} \).
Here, fundamental particles such as electrons, neutrinos, and quarks are studied, usually at experimental facilities like the Large Hadron Collider.
  • Investigates how fundamental particles interact and combine to form larger structures.
  • Utilizes high-energy experiments to uncover new particles and forces.
  • Integrates concepts from both special relativity and quantum mechanics.

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