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timetraveller123
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Homework Statement
so i read morin's derivation of rocket equation propelled by photons now i want to try for relativistic mass ejection but i am having some problems
let subscript e denote quantities of ejected material and subscript of r denote quantities of rocket
Homework Equations
##
P = \gamma (P' + \frac{v E'}{c^2})\\
P = \gamma m v\\
E = \gamma m c^2
##
The Attempt at a Solution
syaing the rocket is currently moving at speed v then if ejects dm at exhaust speed u its mass becomes v + dv and mass of m-dm
then as viewed from the rocket is
conservation of energy becomes
##
E'_e = mc^2 -(m-dm)c^2 = dm c^2
##
as mass is not conserved other form of energy of the ejected mass maybe written as
##
E'_e = \gamma _ e m' c^2
##
where m' is the observed mass of ejected mass
so
##
dm = \gamma _e m'
##
thus the momentum observed from rocket is
##
p_e' = \gamma _e m' u = dm u
##
is that correct please correct me if its wrong
so as viewed from the ground frame is
##
P_e = \gamma (P'_e + \beta \frac{E'_e}{c})
##
now my question is if the gamma corresponds to speed v or v+dv similary for the beta
##
\gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}\\
\gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{(v+dv)^2}{c^2}}}\\
##
which one is the correct one morin used the first one but why that
because by the time rocket measured the momentum of the ejected mass its already moving v + dv with respect to ground so shouldn't it be the second gamma
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