Can both these questions give the same answer

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a discrepancy between two energy formulas in a physics homework problem, specifically regarding the presence of an extra square term (c^4 vs. c^2). The user confirms that the correct formula yields the expected final answer, while the altered version does not. The conclusion is that if two terms in a formula have different dimensions, the formula cannot be correct, affirming the importance of dimensional consistency in equations.

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  • Understanding of dimensional analysis in physics
  • Familiarity with energy formulas in relativistic physics
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz factor, Y = √(1/(1-(v/c)))
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations
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  • Research dimensional analysis in physics to ensure formula correctness
  • Study the implications of the Lorentz factor in relativistic equations
  • Explore common errors in physics homework related to formula discrepancies
  • Review the derivation of energy equations in special relativity
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Students in physics, educators teaching relativity, and anyone interested in understanding the importance of dimensional consistency in equations.

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Homework Statement


I posted this question on the quantum forum but it got deleted saying that I was cheating on homework

I only need a simple yes or no

This is the original question

image.jpg

This is the question my teacher gave

image.jpg

As you can see in the total energy formula is missing an extra square. The original question has c^4 but the one that my teacher gave has c^2

Can both of these give the same final answer which is supposed to be u

Homework Equations


All the equations are given in the question

Y= square root 1/1-(v/c)

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I don't need anyone to tell me how to do the question
I have done both versions and the textbook question resolves to final answer as u

But the one my teacher gave doesn't end up. I did both side by side and I find the extra c^2 which is missing plays a huge role in resolving the final answer

I just need a yes or no. Please
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If a formula has two terms that are added and the dimensions (or units) for the two terms are not the same, then the formula cannot be correct.
 
TSny said:
If a formula has two terms that are added and the dimensions (or units) for the two terms are not the same, then the formula cannot be correct.
Thank you very very much
I have been doing this question all night and only now realized that they were different I had previously done this question from the text
But last night I just couldn't get the ends meet
Finally I did both side by side and found the typo
But I was just thinking it may still work out
But even then the ex didn't get the correct answer
So I just wanted to check
Thank you
I can finally sleep :)
 

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