Relativistic Mass Exam Question

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the relativistic mass equation in a problem involving the transfer of kinetic energy. The question asks about the total energy of a system and the speed of two masses, while the worked solution rearranges the equation to solve for velocity. The confusion arises from the use of approximations and the incorrect use of values in the solution.
  • #1
Sarah0001
31
1
1.
2018-11-10 (5).png


Homework Equations


E=mc^2
Relativistic mass equation given in the question

The first part of the question:
I understand 200 MeV is the energy lost as it initially moves with 200MeV however is brought to rest and thus this total kinetic energy must have been transferred from the 'two equal parts'
For the worked solution below,
2018-11-10 (4).png

Q : I am confused on how the total energy E=mc^2 = 200 MeV as implied in the work solution.
3. I thought
Ek = mc^2 - moc^2

does the worked solution instead mean that
delta theta = m - mo
and so delta theta = 200MeV/ c^2

The second Part of the question: What speed did the two masses have?
2018-11-10 (3).png

I see the worked solution rearranges the relativistic mass equation to make v the subject, it does this by using the approximation m = mo as delta m is so small
Q : however I am confused why they plug in 200*10^6 eV for delta m in the 2nd to last line of working shown.
 

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  • #2
If m and mo refer to the relativistic and rest masses of one of the fragments, then Δm would equal ½ ⋅ 200 Mev/c2. But then,
mo½ (2.21 x 105 Mev/c2). If you use these values for Δm and mo in the expression
upload_2018-11-10_18-16-17.png

then you can check that this gives the same result as the expression given in the solutions:
upload_2018-11-10_18-18-16.png
since the ½ factors cancel.

Note, however, that evaluation does not give
upload_2018-11-10_18-20-14.png
. This is not the correct answer.
 

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Likes Sarah0001

What is relativistic mass?

Relativistic mass is a concept in physics that describes the increase in mass of an object as it approaches the speed of light.

How is relativistic mass calculated?

The equation for calculating relativistic mass is m = m0 / √(1 - (v^2 / c^2)), where m0 is the rest mass of the object, v is its velocity, and c is the speed of light.

What is the difference between rest mass and relativistic mass?

Rest mass is the mass of an object when it is at rest, while relativistic mass takes into account the increase in mass due to its velocity.

Why is relativistic mass important in physics?

Relativistic mass is important in understanding the effects of high speeds on objects, as it helps explain the behavior of particles in particle accelerators and the motion of objects in space.

Is relativistic mass a fixed property of an object?

No, relativistic mass is not a fixed property of an object. It is dependent on the object's velocity and can vary depending on its speed.

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