Solving Relative Momentum and Rest Mass Confusion

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of momentum increase for a particle with an initial speed of 0.58c. The formula p=γm0v is used and the equations p/po = 1.01, 1.1, and 2.0 are set up to determine the speed at which momentum increases by 1%, 10%, and 100% respectively. Further help is needed to complete the calculation.
  • #1
dlucia
6
0
I have been getting rather confused with rest mass, m0. here's the problem.

A particle intially has a speed of 0.58c. A) At what speed does it momentum increase by 1%. B) At 10%, and C) At 100%.

I have set it up as p=γm0v...
then γ=1/ sqrt[1=(0.58)^2

but don't know what to do any further. Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
welcome to pf!

hi dlucia! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 and X2 buttons just above the Reply box :wink:)

what's the difficulty?

you have momentum = p = po/√(1 - (v/c)2),

so just put p/po = A) 1.01 B) 1.1 C) 2, and solve :wink:
 
  • #3
dlucia said:
I have been getting rather confused with rest mass, m0. here's the problem.

A particle intially has a speed of 0.58c. A) At what speed does it momentum increase by 1%. B) At 10%, and C) At 100%.

I have set it up as p=γm0v...
then γ=1/ sqrt[1=(0.58)^2

but don't know what to do any further. Thanks[/QUOTE]

Shouldn't it be

[itex]\frac{(v/c) γ(v/c)}{0.58 γ(0.58)}[/itex] = 1.01

[itex]\frac{(v/c) γ(v/c)}{0.58 γ(0.58)}[/itex] = 1.1

[itex]\frac{(v/c) γ(v/c)}{0.58 γ(0.58)}[/itex] = 2.0

Chet
 
Last edited:

1. What is the difference between relative momentum and rest mass?

Relative momentum is the measure of an object's motion in relation to another object, while rest mass is the mass of an object when it is at rest. In other words, relative momentum takes into account an object's velocity, while rest mass does not.

2. How do you calculate relative momentum?

Relative momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity. The formula for relative momentum is p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

3. Can an object have a relative momentum of zero?

Yes, an object can have a relative momentum of zero if its mass is zero or if it is at rest. In these cases, the object has no motion in relation to another object and therefore has no relative momentum.

4. How does Einstein's theory of relativity impact the concept of relative momentum and rest mass?

Einstein's theory of relativity states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion. This means that the concept of relative momentum and rest mass are relative to the observer's frame of reference. The values of relative momentum and rest mass may differ depending on the observer's perspective.

5. Why is it important to understand the difference between relative momentum and rest mass?

Understanding the difference between relative momentum and rest mass is important in accurately describing and predicting the motion of objects. It also helps in understanding the effects of velocity and frame of reference on an object's momentum and mass. This knowledge is crucial in many scientific fields, including physics and astronomy.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
821
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
844
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
40
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
951
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
Back
Top