We know classically that kinetic energy and momentum are related to each other, since
Relativistically, we can obtain a relationship between energy and momentum by algebraically manipulating their definitions. This produces
where
is the relativistic total energy and
is the relativistic momentum. This relationship between relativistic energy and relativistic momentum is more complicated than the classical, but we can gain some interesting new insights by examining it. First, total energy is related to momentum and rest mass. At rest, momentum is zero, and the equation gives the total energy to be the rest energy
(so this equation is consistent with the discussion of rest energy above). However, as the mass is accelerated, its momentum
increases, thus increasing the total energy. At sufficiently high velocities, the rest energy term
becomes negligible compared with the momentum term
; thus,
at extremely relativistic velocities.
If we consider momentum
to be distinct from mass, we can determine the implications of the equation
for a particle that has no mass. If we take
to be zero in this equation, then
, or
. Massless particles have this momentum. There are several massless particles found in nature, including photons (these are quanta of electromagnetic radiation). Another implication is that a massless particle must travel at speed
and only at speed
. While it is beyond the scope of this text to examine the relationship in the equation
in detail, we can see that the relationship has important implications in special relativity.
Problem-solving strategies for relativity
Examine the situation to determine that it is necessary to use relativity . Relativistic effects are related to
, the quantitative relativistic factor. If
is very close to 1, then relativistic effects are small and differ very little from the usually easier classical calculations.
Identify exactly what needs to be determined in the problem (identify the unknowns).
Make a list of what is given or can be inferred from the problem as stated (identify the knowns). Look in particular for information on relative velocity
.
Make certain you understand the conceptual aspects of the problem before making any calculations. Decide, for example, which observer sees time dilated or length contracted before plugging into equations. If you have thought about who sees what, who is moving with the event being observed, who sees proper time, and so on, you will find it much easier to determine if your calculation is reasonable.
Determine the primary type of calculation to be done to find the unknowns identified above. You will find the section summary helpful in determining whether a length contraction, relativistic kinetic energy, or some other concept is involved.
Do not round off during the calculation. As noted in the text, you must often perform your calculations to many digits to see the desired effect. You may round off at the very end of the problem, but do not use a rounded number in a subsequent calculation.
Check the answer to see if it is reasonable: Does it make sense? This may be more difficult for relativity, since we do not encounter it directly. But you can look for velocities greater than
or relativistic effects that are in the wrong direction (such as a time contraction where a dilation was expected).
Wayne and Dennis like to ride the bike path from Riverside Park to the beach. Dennis’s speed is seven miles per hour faster than Wayne’s speed, so it takes Wayne 2 hours to ride to the beach while it takes Dennis 1.5 hours for the ride. Find the speed of both bikers.
from theory: distance [miles] = speed [mph] × time [hours]
info #1
speed_Dennis × 1.5 = speed_Wayne × 2
=> speed_Wayne = 0.75 × speed_Dennis (i)
info #2
speed_Dennis = speed_Wayne + 7 [mph] (ii)
use (i) in (ii) => [...]
speed_Dennis = 28 mph
speed_Wayne = 21 mph
George
Let W be Wayne's speed in miles per hour and D be Dennis's speed in miles per hour. We know that W + 7 = D and W * 2 = D * 1.5.
Substituting the first equation into the second:
W * 2 = (W + 7) * 1.5
W * 2 = W * 1.5 + 7 * 1.5
0.5 * W = 7 * 1.5
W = 7 * 3 or 21
W is 21
D = W + 7
D = 21 + 7
D = 28
Salma
Devon is 32 32 years older than his son, Milan. The sum of both their ages is 54 54. Using the variables d d and m m to represent the ages of Devon and Milan, respectively, write a system of equations to describe this situation. Enter the equations below, separated by a comma.
please why is it that the 0is in the place of ten thousand
Grace
Send the example to me here and let me see
Stephen
A meditation garden is in the shape of a right triangle, with one leg 7 feet. The length of the hypotenuse is one more than the length of one of the other legs. Find the lengths of the hypotenuse and the other leg
however, may I ask you some questions about Algarba?
Amoon
hi
Enock
what the last part of the problem mean?
Roger
The Jones family took a 15 mile canoe ride down the Indian River in three hours. After lunch, the return trip back up the river took five hours. Find the rate, in mph, of the canoe in still water and the rate of the current.
Shakir works at a computer store. His weekly pay will be either a fixed amount, $925, or $500 plus 12% of his total sales. How much should his total sales be for his variable pay option to exceed the fixed amount of $925.
I'm guessing, but it's somewhere around $4335.00 I think
Lewis
12% of sales will need to exceed 925 - 500, or 425 to exceed fixed amount option. What amount of sales does that equal? 425 ÷ (12÷100) = 3541.67. So the answer is sales greater than 3541.67.
Check:
Sales = 3542
Commission 12%=425.04
Pay = 500 + 425.04 = 925.04.
925.04 > 925.00
Munster
difference between rational and irrational numbers
Jazmine trained for 3 hours on Saturday. She ran 8 miles and then biked 24 miles. Her biking speed is 4 mph faster than her running speed. What is her running speed?
