Double Speed: Proton Acceleration with 2000MV Potential

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A proton accelerated through a potential difference of 500MV reaches a speed of 0.76c. The discussion centers on whether quadrupling the potential difference to 2000MV would logically double the speed to 1.52c. However, classical mechanics does not apply at such high speeds, leading to a calculated speed of 2.07c using relativistic equations. The confusion arises from the assumption that speed can be simply doubled, which neglects relativistic effects. Ultimately, the correct approach requires using energy equations rather than straightforward doubling of velocity.
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Homework Statement


A proton is accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 500MV. Classical mechanics indicates that quadrupling the potential difference would double the speed. Were a classical analysis valid, what speed would result from a 2000MV potential difference?


Homework Equations



4V->2v

The Attempt at a Solution


We were first asked to find the original speed of the proton going through 500MV which is 0.76c Since 2000MV = 4*500MV and 4V means v is doubled, why can't I just double 0.76c to get the new speed for the proton accelerated through the 2000MV?
 
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channel1 said:

Homework Statement


A proton is accelerated from rest through a potential difference of 500MV. Classical mechanics indicates that quadrupling the potential difference would double the speed. Were a classical analysis valid, what speed would result from a 2000MV potential difference?

Homework Equations



4V->2v

The Attempt at a Solution


We were first asked to find the original speed of the proton going through 500MV which is 0.76c Since 2000MV = 4*500MV and 4V means v is doubled, why can't I just double 0.76c to get the new speed for the proton accelerated through the 2000MV?
I believe that you are asked to do precisely that.
 
Yet the answer is 2.07c :/
 
the book solves it by 4*(the original KE, 8*10^-11 J) = .5 * m * v^2 then solving for v...but I really just don't see why I can't logically just straight-up double the velocity...
 
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