(gamma)ma=F-[F.(beta)]beta How derive this?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the derivation of the equation (gamma)ma=F-[F.(beta)]beta, which involves concepts from relativistic physics, including the Lorentz factor, mass, acceleration, force, and the velocity ratio beta (v/c). Participants explore the mathematical relationships and implications of this equation in the context of force and motion.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants clarify the meanings of the symbols in the equation, identifying gamma as the Lorentz factor, m as mass, a as acceleration, F as force, and beta as the ratio of velocity to the speed of light.
  • One participant references Lev Okun's derivation, linking the equation to the concepts of energy and momentum in relativistic physics.
  • Another participant suggests that the left-hand side of the equation resembles an attempt to isolate a component of the force vector, possibly indicating a perpendicular force to the direction of motion.
  • A different viewpoint presents a more conventional form of the equation involving derivatives of momentum and acceleration, suggesting a method to derive the original equation through algebraic manipulation.
  • There is a discussion about the differences in force expressions when considering parallel versus transverse motion, raising questions about the implications of these variations.
  • One participant asserts that algebra does not accommodate "why" questions, emphasizing the objective nature of mathematical relationships.
  • Another participant notes that the factor of gamma increases from y to y^3 when transitioning from transverse to longitudinal forces, indicating a nuanced understanding of relativistic effects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the equation and its derivation, with no consensus reached on a single method or understanding. Multiple competing views and approaches remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on definitions of terms like gamma and beta, as well as unresolved mathematical steps in the derivation process. The context of the problem being addressed is not fully clarified, which may affect interpretations.

vin300
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(gamma)ma=F-[F.(beta)]beta
How derive this?
 
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Would you mind explaining what it is? Until you explain what "gamma", "m", "a", "F", and "beta" mean, it's just a string of symbols.
 


gamma is the lorentz factor, m is mass, a acceleration, F force; beta is v/c
Lev Okun, in his "concepts of mass" has derived it as follows:
E=ymc^2
p=ymv
dp/dt=F
and next he writes
a=[F-(F.beta)beta]/ym
 
Last edited:


HallsofIvy said:
Would you mind explaining what it is? Until you explain what "gamma", "m", "a", "F", and "beta" mean, it's just a string of symbols.

This is how I feel every time I try to read anything written by a physicist :rolleyes:



But Halls is right. What is the context of the problem you're working on?

The left hand side, F-[F.(beta)]beta, looks a lot like you're trying to remove a component from the force vector (it's very close to the force perpendicular to the direction of motion... is this what you're going for?)
 


I think the equation you are looking for is
{\bf F}=\frac{d{\bf p}}{dt}
\frac{d}{dt}\frac{m{\bf v}}{\sqrt{1-v^2}}
=m{\bf a}\gamma+m{\bf v}({\bf v}\cdot{\bf a})\gamma^3.
This is the usual form.
To get your form, use the above equation to show
{\bf v}\cdot{\bf F}=m\gamma^3{\bf v}\cdot{\bf a}
in a few steps.
I use units with c=1.
I couldn't find my latex errors. I hope you can read it as is.
 
Last edited by a moderator:


clem said:
I couldn't find my latex errors. I hope you can read it as is.
Just add tex tags.

clem said:
I think the equation you are looking for is
[tex]{\bf F}=\frac{d{\bf p}}{dt}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d}{dt}\frac{m{\bf v}}{\sqrt{1-v^2}}<br /> =m{\bf a}\gamma+m{\bf v}({\bf v}\cdot{\bf a})\gamma^3[/tex].
This is the usual form.
To get your form, use the above equation to show
[tex]{\bf v}\cdot{\bf F}=m\gamma^3{\bf v}\cdot{\bf a}[/tex]
in a few steps.
I use units with c=1.
 


Thank you. I did use [tex]...[/tex], but it kept showing errors.
I guess it can read your handwriting.
 


I got it thanks but using the equation gives F=y^3ma when parallel and F=yma when transverse why is dt so?
 
Last edited:


You can't argue with algebra. There is no "why" in algebra.
 
  • #10


Usually it is "y" times mass but here it increases to y^3 times as we move from transverse to longitudinal
 

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