Relativistic vs non-relativistic momentum

In summary, the question asked to compare the momentum of a 1g particle moving at half the speed of light using classical and relativistic formulas. The correct formulas to use are p=mv for non-relativistic and p=mv/(1-v^2/c^2)^1/2 for relativistic momentum. The comparison can be answered by stating which quantity is larger or smaller, or by finding the ratio or percentage difference between the two.
  • #1
daisy7324
2
0
The question ask to find the momentum of a particle with mass 1g moving with half speec of c and then compare the answer with the result using relativistic formula for momentum. Do I just use p=mv for non relativistic and p=mv/(1-v^2/c^2)^1/2 and put them equal to each other to find the relationship? Thanks:biggrin:
 
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  • #2
Those are the right formulas. When asked to compare to quantities, usually you can answer that by stating which quantity is bigger, which is smaller etc. That's all they are asking for.
 
  • #3
If you wanted to be more precise you could find the ratio of classical to relativistic momentum.
 
  • #4
Or you could find the percentage difference between the two, e.g. "the relativistic momentum is 4.2% larger than the classical momentum."
 

1. What is the difference between relativistic and non-relativistic momentum?

Relativistic momentum takes into account the effects of special relativity, specifically the increase in mass at high velocities. Non-relativistic momentum only considers the mass and velocity of an object.

2. How is relativistic momentum calculated?

Relativistic momentum is calculated using the equation p = mv/√(1-v^2/c^2), where p is momentum, m is mass, v is velocity, and c is the speed of light.

3. How does relativistic momentum affect the behavior of particles?

Relativistic momentum plays a significant role in the behavior of particles at high velocities. As an object's speed approaches the speed of light, its mass increases, making it more difficult to accelerate. This leads to effects such as time dilation and length contraction.

4. Can non-relativistic momentum be used to describe the behavior of particles at all speeds?

No, non-relativistic momentum can only accurately describe the behavior of particles at low velocities. At high velocities, the effects of special relativity must be taken into account, making relativistic momentum the more accurate measure.

5. How does the concept of momentum relate to the laws of conservation of energy and momentum?

The laws of conservation of energy and momentum state that the total amount of energy and momentum in a closed system remains constant. This means that the total relativistic momentum in a system must also remain constant, even as individual particles may exchange energy and change their relativistic momentum values.

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