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\(\bullet\) (a) At what speed does the momentum of a particle differ by 1.0\(\%\) from the value obtained with the nonrelativistic expression \(m v ?\) (b) Is the correct relativistic value greater or less than that obtained from the nonrelativistic expression?

Short Answer

Expert verified
At about 14% of the speed of light, the relativistic momentum exceeds the nonrelativistic value by 1%. The relativistic value is greater.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Nonrelativistic Momentum

The momentum of a particle for nonrelativistic speeds is given by the formula \( p = mv \), where \( m \) is the mass and \( v \) is the velocity of the particle.
02

Recognizing Relativistic Momentum

For relativistic speeds, the momentum of a particle is given by the formula \( p = \frac{mv}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}} \), where \( c \) is the speed of light. This accounts for the effects of relativity.
03

Setting Up the Problem for 1% Difference

We are asked to find the speed \( v \) at which the relativistic momentum differs by 1% from the nonrelativistic momentum. This means solving \( \frac{mv}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}} = 1.01 \times mv \).
04

Simplifying the Equation

Cancel the mass \( m \) and the velocity \( v \) from both sides to obtain an expression involving only \( v \) and \( c \):\[ \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}} = 1.01 \]
05

Solving for the Speed \( v \)

Simplify and solve the equation:- Square both sides: \( \frac{1}{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}} = 1.0201 \)- Rearrange terms: \( 1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2} = \frac{1}{1.0201} \)- Calculate \( \frac{1}{1.0201} \approx 0.9804 \)- Set up the equation for \( \frac{v^2}{c^2}: \)\[ \frac{v^2}{c^2} = 1 - 0.9804 = 0.0196 \]- Solve for \( v \):\[ v = c \sqrt{0.0196} \]- Calculate \( v \approx 0.14c \)
06

Determine the Relativistic Momentum Direction

Since \( 1.01 \times mv \) was used in setting up the equation, the relativistic momentum is greater than the nonrelativistic momentum at this speed.

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Key Concepts

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

Momentum
Momentum is a key concept in both classical and relativistic mechanics. It provides a measure of how much motion an object has and is the product of the object's mass and velocity. In classical mechanics, momentum is given as \( p = mv \), where \( p \) represents momentum, \( m \) is the mass, and \( v \) is the velocity.
This formula works well when dealing with speeds much lower than the speed of light. However, at higher velocities, especially those approaching the speed of light, relativistic effects become significant.
In such cases, momentum is calculated using relativistic mechanics to ensure accuracy.
Nonrelativistic Calculations
Nonrelativistic calculations involve using classical physics to describe motion. Specifically, these calculations ignore relativistic effects which are insignificant at low speeds compared to the speed of light. In the exercise, the nonrelativistic momentum is calculated using \( p = mv \), assuming velocities that don't approach the speed of light.
This simplification works well for terrestrial and many everyday phenomena. However, it breaks down for particles moving at significant fractions of the speed of light, such as those in particle accelerators.
Recognizing when nonrelativistic calculations are applicable is essential for accurate computations systems like engineering and mechanics.
Speed of Light
The speed of light, denoted by \( c \), is approximately \( 3 \times 10^8 \) meters per second. This fundamental constant is crucial in the study of relativistic mechanics. It serves as the maximum speed limit in the universe and affects how physical processes are perceived at high velocities.
When objects move at speeds close to \( c \), their behavior diverges significantly from classical predictions. This is due to time dilation, length contraction, and the relativity of simultaneity.
Understanding the role of the speed of light is vital when approaching problems that require relativistic calculations, as in the given exercise.
Difference between Relativistic and Nonrelativistic Momentum
The difference between relativistic and nonrelativistic momentum arises from the effects of relativity on high-speed motion. While nonrelativistic momentum is straightforward with \( p = mv \), this approximation fails at speeds nearing the speed of light. Relativistic momentum takes the form \( p = \frac{mv}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}} \).
This equation incorporates a correction factor \( \sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}} \), which becomes significant as velocity \( v \) approaches \( c \). In the exercise, we're asked at what velocity the momentum calculated relativistically differs by 1% from the nonrelativistic approach, illustrating the validity of both methods.
Such explorations help us understand the precise nature of motion at different scales, bridging classical and modern physics.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A space probe is sent to the vicinity of the star Capella, which is 42.2 light years from the earth. (A light year is the distance light travels in a year.) The probe travels with a speed of 0.9910\(c\) relative to the earth. An astronaut recruit on board is 19 years old when the probe leaves the earth. What is her biological age when the probe reaches Capella, as measured by (a) the astronaut and (b) someone on earth?

\(\bullet\) Two particles are created in a high-energy accelerator and move off in opposite directions. The speed of one particle, as measured in the laboratory, is \(0.650 c,\) and the speed of each particle relative to the other is 0.950\(c .\) What is the speed of the second particle, as measured in the laboratory?

\(\bullet\) The distance to a particular star, as measured in the earth's frame of reference, is 7.11 light years \((1\) light year is the distance light travels in 1 year). A spaceship leaves earth headed for the star, and takes 3.35 years to arrive, as measured by passengers on the ship. (a) How long does the trip take, according to observers on earth? (b) What distance for the trip do passengers on the spacecraft measure? (Hint: What is the speed of light in units of 1\(y / y ? )\)

What is the speed of a particle whose kinetic energy is equal to (a) its rest energy, (b) five times its rest energy?

\(\bullet\) The negative pion \(\left(\pi^{-}\right)\) is an unstable particle with an average lifetime of \(2.60 \times 10^{-8} \mathrm{s}\) (measured in the rest frame of the pion).(a) If the pion is made to travel at very high speed relative to a laboratory, its average lifetime is measured in the laboratory to be \(4.20 \times 10^{-7}\) s. Calculate the speed of the pion expressed as a fraction of \(c .\) (b) What distance, as measured in the laboratory, does the pion travel during its average lifetime?

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