What Speed Makes Kinetic Energy Equal n Times Rest Energy?

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the speed at which the kinetic energy of a particle is equal to n times its rest energy, using the equation ##T=(\gamma - 1)m_{0}c^{2}##. The solution involves manipulating the equation and using the expression for relativistic kinetic energy to arrive at the formula ##v=\sqrt{\frac{n^{2}+2n}{n^{2}+2n+1}} ~~ c##.
  • #1
Pual Black
92
1

Homework Statement


At what speed the kinetic energy of particle equal n times it's rest energy

Homework Equations


i use this equation
##T=(\gamma - 1)m_{0}c^{2} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


##T=n(m_{0}c^{2})##

##n=\gamma -1##

##\gamma =n+1##

##\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}}}=n+1##

##\frac{1}{1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}}=n^{2}+2n+1##

##\frac{1}{n^{2}+2n+1}=1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}##

##\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}=1-\frac{1}{n^{2}+2n+1}##

##\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}=\frac{n^{2}+2n+1-1}{n^{2}+2n+1}##

##v=\sqrt{\frac{n^{2}+2n}{n^{2}+2n+1}} ~~ c##

this is what i get.
Is that correct? isn't there
other solution?
 
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  • #2
Pual Black said:

Homework Statement


At what speed the kinetic energy of particle equal n times it's rest energy

Homework Equations


i use this equation
##T=(\gamma - 1)m_{0}c^{2} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


##T=n(m_{0}c^{2})##

##n=\gamma -1##

##\gamma =n+1##

##\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}}}=n+1##

##\frac{1}{1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}}=n^{2}+2n+1##

##\frac{1}{n^{2}+2n+1}=1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}##

##\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}=1-\frac{1}{n^{2}+2n+1}##

##\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}=\frac{n^{2}+2n+1-1}{n^{2}+2n+1}##

##v=\sqrt{\frac{n^{2}+2n}{n^{2}+2n+1}} ~~ c##

this is what i get.
Is that correct? isn't there
other solution?
pl. check again the relations;
what is the the expression for relativistic kinetic energy?
 
  • #3
drvrm said:
pl. check again the relations;
what is the the expression for relativistic kinetic energy?

Is there something strange with ##T=(\gamma - 1)m_{0}c^{2} ##? At least it is consistent with the classical kinetic energy for small velocities.
 
  • #4
drvrm said:
pl. check again the relations;
what is the the expression for relativistic kinetic energy?

I checked it and it is correct
Or i can write it in this form
##E_{k} = \frac{m_{0}c^{2}}{\sqrt{1 - (v/c)^{2})}} - m_{0}c^{2}##
 
  • #5
Pual Black said:
##v=\sqrt{\frac{n^{2}+2n}{n^{2}+2n+1}} ~~c##

this is what i get.
Is that correct?
It is correct.
 
  • #6
Ok. Thank you all for your help
 

Related to What Speed Makes Kinetic Energy Equal n Times Rest Energy?

1. What is relativistic kinetic energy?

Relativistic kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion relative to an observer, taking into account the effects of special relativity.

2. How is relativistic kinetic energy different from classical kinetic energy?

Relativistic kinetic energy takes into account the effects of special relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction, which are not considered in classical kinetic energy calculations.

3. What is the equation for relativistic kinetic energy?

The equation for relativistic kinetic energy is E = (γ - 1)mc2, where γ is the Lorentz factor, m is the mass of the object, and c is the speed of light.

4. How does the speed of an object affect its relativistic kinetic energy?

As an object approaches the speed of light, its relativistic kinetic energy increases significantly compared to its classical kinetic energy. This is due to the effects of time dilation and length contraction, which become more prominent at high speeds.

5. What are some real-world applications of relativistic kinetic energy?

Relativistic kinetic energy is important in fields such as particle physics, where particles are accelerated to high speeds in particle accelerators. It is also relevant in astrophysics, as it helps explain the behavior of objects moving at high speeds, such as stars and galaxies.

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