How Do You Determine Velocity and Trajectory Under Relativistic Force?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on determining the velocity and trajectory of a mass under a relativistic force, specifically when a mass m is thrown with an initial three-momentum p_0 in the y direction and subjected to a constant force F_0 in the x direction. The key equations involve integrating functions such as t/√(a + bt²) and 1/√(a + bt²) to find velocity v as a function of time t and subsequently the trajectory. The discussion emphasizes the importance of the Lorentz factor γ and the relationship between momentum and force, while also highlighting the necessity of using the Taylor expansion for functions like √(1 + x) and ln(1 + x) for simplification. The user expresses difficulty in isolating v_x and v_y due to the complexity introduced by the γ term.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic mechanics and the Lorentz factor γ
  • Familiarity with three-momentum and four-momentum concepts
  • Ability to perform calculus operations, specifically integration of complex functions
  • Knowledge of Taylor expansions for mathematical simplification
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the Lorentz transformation in relativistic physics
  • Learn about the integration techniques for functions involving square roots and their applications in physics
  • Explore the concept of four-vectors and their significance in relativistic mechanics
  • Investigate the relationship between force, momentum, and energy in relativistic contexts
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of advanced mechanics, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of motion under relativistic forces will benefit from this discussion.

Jibobo
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I've been having a lot of trouble with this problem. There's definitely something I'm missing and it most likely has to do with the force.

"A mass [tex]m[/tex] is thrown from the origin at [tex]t = 0[/tex] with initial three-momentum [tex]p_0[/tex] in the y direction. If it is subject to a constant force [tex]F_0[/tex] in the x direction, find its velocity [tex]v[/tex] as a function of [tex]t[/tex] and by integrating [tex]v[/tex], find its trajectory. You will need to integrate functions such as [tex]t/\sqrt{a + bt^2}[/tex] and [tex]1/\sqrt{a + bt^2}[/tex].

In addition, check that in the non-relativistic limit, ([tex]c \rightarrow \infty[/tex]), [tex]x(t)[/tex] is what you expect for motion in a constant field and check that [tex]y(t)[/tex] is what you expect for motion in a constant field when the force is orthogonal to the y direction.

HINT: You will need the Taylor expansion of the functions [tex]\sqrt{1 + x}[/tex] and [tex]\ln(1 + x)[/tex]."

The 2nd part seems easy, but I'm simply not sure how to find [tex]x(t)[/tex] or [tex]y(t)[/tex] in the first place.

My work so far:
[tex]\gamma = 1/\sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2)\\<br /> \gamma_v_0 = 1/\sqrt(1 - {v_0}^2/c^2)[/tex]
[tex]p_0 = (0, p_0, 0) = m*\gamma_v0*(0, v_0, 0)[/tex]
[tex]F_0 = (F_0, 0, 0)[/tex]
[tex]F = dP/dt, \mbox{so } P - p_0 = F*t[/tex]
[tex]P = F_0*t + p_0 = m*\gamma*v[/tex]
[tex]v = (v_x, v_y, v_z), v_z = 0[/tex]
[tex]m*\gamma*v_x = F_0*t[/tex]
[tex]m*\gamma*v_y = p_0 = m*\gamma_v0*v_0[/tex]

I'm not exactly sure how to proceed from here since I can't really isolate [tex]v_x[/tex] or [tex]v_y[/tex] because the gamma term contains only the magnitude of [tex]v[/tex]. Should I use [tex]\|v\| = \sqrt{v_x^2 + v_y^2}[/tex] and then work through some really terrible algebra? Or is this even the right way to approach this problem?

Edit: I've actually done the terrible alegbra using [tex]\|v\| = \sqrt{v_x^2 + v_y^2}[/tex], but the equations I end up with are ridiculous. Can anyone suggest a different method?
 
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The 4-momentum of the particle, which I'll call P, is supposed to be a 4-vector.

Write down the four components of P:

E (the energy)
Px (the momentum in the x direction)
Py (the momentum in the y direction)
Pz (the momentum in the z direction, which is very easy, it's zero)

You have something that you call P, but it doesn't appear to be a 4-vector.
 

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