Derivation of relativistic E_kin

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of relativistic kinetic energy, specifically focusing on a mathematical step involving integration by parts. Participants are examining the transition between two expressions for kinetic energy derived from the force applied to a particle as its speed increases from 0 to v.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about a specific step in the derivation involving integration by parts and the change of the integrating variable.
  • Another participant questions the original variable used in the integration and what substitution was made.
  • A third participant suggests a specific assignment of functions for integration by parts, identifying f' and g in the context of the derivation.
  • A later reply indicates that the initial confusion has been resolved, suggesting a clearer understanding of the integration process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to engage collaboratively to clarify the mathematical derivation, with some expressing confusion while others provide insights. The discussion does not indicate a consensus on the overall derivation but rather focuses on understanding a particular mathematical technique.

Contextual Notes

The discussion is limited to the mathematical aspects of the derivation and does not address the physical implications or correctness of the kinetic energy expression itself.

tomwilliam2
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In my textbook there is a derivation of relativistic kinetic energy starting from an integral of the force applied over the distance required to take the particle's speed from 0 to v.
There's one stage of the derivation I don't understand on mathematical grounds, which is going from:

$$E_k = \int_0^{v} u\ d\left( \frac{mu}{\sqrt{1-(u^2/c^2)}}\right )$$
To the next line, which is:
$$E_k = \left [ \frac{mu^2}{\sqrt{1-(u^2/c^2)}}\right]_0^v - \int_0^v \frac{mu}{\sqrt{1-(u^2/c^2)}}\ du$$
I guess they have used integration by parts, but how do you get the change of integrating variable? I only really know the rule ##\int f'g dx = fg - \int fg' dx## and can't seem to make it fit here.
Thanks in advance
 
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What was the original variable being integrated over?
What was substituted in it's place?
 
Take:
f' = d (\frac{mu}{\sqrt{1-(u^2/c^2)}}), g = u
 
Ah, thanks phyzguy...the penny has dropped.
 

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