Help with determining other mass of a relativistic collision

Solving these equations will give you the mass of the other object, which is approximately 1.339 u.In summary, a 3.000 u object collides with a 4.000 u object in a laboratory, resulting in a 6.000 u object at rest and another object with a mass of approximately 1.339 u. This can be determined using conservation of energy and momentum equations.
  • #1
dgresch
7
0

Homework Statement


A 3.000 u (1 u = 931.5 MeV/c2) object moving to the right through a laboratory at
0.8c collides with a 4.000 u object moving to the left through the laboratory at
0.6c. Afterward there are two objects, one of which is a 6.000 u object at rest.
Determine the mass of the other object

Homework Equations


CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
[itex]\gamma[/itex]m1c2+[itex]\gamma[/itex]m2c2=[itex]\gamma[/itex]m3c2+[itex]\gamma[/itex]m4c2

The Attempt at a Solution


Each gamma is different because of different speeds but for the purpose of time management and the fact that past this I don't know what to do, I left them as gamma.
[itex]\gamma[/itex]2794.5Mev+[itex]\gamma[/itex]3726MeV=5589Mev+[itex]\gamma[/itex]m4c2

Am I supposed to assume both objects are at rest? Doesn't seem like that would be the case because the other object would just be 1u. Any thoughts anyone?
 
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  • #2
You will also need to apply conservation of momentum. Together with conservation of energy, you will have two equations for the two unknowns [itex]\gamma_4, m_4[/itex].
 

1. What is a relativistic collision?

A relativistic collision is a collision between two objects that are moving at high speeds, close to the speed of light. In this type of collision, the effects of special relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction, must be taken into account.

2. How is the mass of a relativistic collision calculated?

The mass of a relativistic collision is calculated using the formula E=mc^2, where E is the energy of the collision and c is the speed of light. This formula takes into account the increase in mass that occurs as objects approach the speed of light.

3. What factors affect the mass of a relativistic collision?

The mass of a relativistic collision is affected by the velocity of the objects involved, as well as the type of particles and their energies. Relativistic collisions can also produce additional particles, which can affect the overall mass of the system.

4. How do scientists determine the mass of a relativistic collision?

Scientists use advanced particle detectors and accelerators to study relativistic collisions. These detectors measure the energies and trajectories of particles produced in the collision, from which scientists can calculate the total mass of the system.

5. Why is it important to determine the mass of a relativistic collision?

Determining the mass of a relativistic collision is crucial for understanding the fundamental properties of matter and the interactions between particles. It also helps scientists test and validate theories in particle physics, and can lead to new discoveries and advancements in our understanding of the universe.

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