Force using relativistic momentum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving relativistic momentum and the application of force on a particle. The original poster presents a scenario where they need to find the acceleration of a particle under a constant force, leading to confusion over specific steps in the derivation of the equations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the transition between two steps in a derivation involving the derivative of relativistic momentum. Some participants suggest using the product or quotient rule for differentiation and simplifying the expression by finding a common denominator.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on differentiation techniques. However, the original poster expresses continued confusion regarding the simplification process, indicating that further clarification may be needed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is working from a textbook example and is seeking help specifically with the mathematical steps involved in the derivation, indicating a focus on understanding rather than obtaining a final answer.

jk4
[SOLVED] Force using relativistic momentum

I have an example problem in a textbook I'm reading:

"Find the acceleration of a particle of mass m and velocity v when it is acted upon by the constant force F, where F is parallel to v.

then it proceeds to show the solution:

[tex]F = \frac{d}{dt}(\gamma mv) = m\frac{d}{dt}(\frac{v}{\sqrt{1-v^{2}/c^{2}}})[/tex]

I get all that so far. The next step is where it loses me:

[tex]= m[\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-v^{2}/c^{2}}} + \frac{v^{2}/c^{2}}{(1-v^{2}/c^{2})^{3/2}}] \frac{dv}{dt}[/tex]

so I don't know how they got there... and then the next step confuses me also. They go from above to here:

[tex]= \frac{ma}{(1-v^{2}/c^{2})^{3/2}}[/tex]

and then of course there a few more steps after that one, but I can get those, I'm just confused about those two steps. Please help clarify it for me, thank you.
 
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The first step: Use the product (or quotient) rule for taking a derivative.
The second step: Simplify. Start by getting a common denominator.
 
ah, of course. I see it now. Thank you for the quick reply.
 


I still can't Simplify it to the final form .. can anybody help me with that?? Thank you
 

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