Basic question about velocities of particles

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In summary, there are several types of particles, such as photons, electrons, and neutrons, that can travel at different speeds depending on the reference frame they are observed from. While photons always travel at the speed of light, other particles may move slowly or rapidly depending on their environment and relative motion. For example, slow neutrons in nuclear fission, electrons in light atoms, and conduction electrons in a wire all travel at relatively slow speeds compared to the speed of light.
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JasonJo
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Are there any particles (atomic, subatomic) that on average travel very slowly? As in, why is it that photons, electrons, etc. seem to (almost always) travel at speeds close to c (or at c in the case of a photon in a vacuum)?
 
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Relative to what? All motion is relative to some given frame. A particle that is moving slowly relative to one frame may be moving rapidly relative to another. And what reason do you have for saying that electrons, etc. move "close to c". (Photons, of course, necessarily move at c.)
 
  • #3
The slow neutrons that take part in nuclear fission travel relatively slowly.
Electrons in light atoms also travel relatively slowly.
Conduction electrons in a wire travel relatively slowly.
 

1. What is velocity?

Velocity is a measure of the rate and direction of an object's motion. It is calculated by dividing the displacement (change in position) of an object by the time it takes to cover that distance.

2. How is velocity different from speed?

Velocity and speed are related concepts, but they are not the same. Speed only takes into account the magnitude of an object's motion, while velocity includes both the magnitude and direction of motion.

3. Can velocity be negative?

Yes, velocity can be negative. A negative velocity indicates that an object is moving in the opposite direction of the positive direction chosen as a reference point.

4. How is average velocity calculated?

Average velocity is calculated by dividing the total displacement of an object by the total time taken to cover that distance. It is expressed in units of distance per unit time (e.g. meters per second).

5. Why is velocity important in physics?

Velocity is an important concept in physics because it helps us understand how objects move in relation to each other and their surroundings. It is a key component in many fundamental equations, such as those related to force, acceleration, and energy.

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