Help with energy momentum relation.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving equations related to relativistic kinematics, specifically focusing on the energy-momentum relation and expressing momentum in terms of mass and the speed of light. Participants are seeking clarification and assistance with specific equations and their derivations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help in expressing the momentum equation without including energy, specifically looking for the form of p in terms of mass and c.
  • Another participant provides the equation p = m0*v/Sqrt[1-v^2/c^2], where m0 is the rest mass, and requests further context on the equations to be derived.
  • A participant references a source and proposes an equation for energy, E = ((m0c^2)² + (mc²)² - (m0²c⁴))¹/², questioning its correctness.
  • Another participant confirms the equation but notes that it does not provide new information, prompting a follow-up on what remains after simplification.
  • One participant states E = γm₀c² and (pc)² = E² - (m₀c²)², suggesting making appropriate substitutions.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the help and mentions their goal of deriving the general equation for an elastic collision, asking for verification of their math.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints and approaches to the equations, with no consensus reached on the correctness of the proposed equations or the derivation steps. Participants are collaboratively exploring the topic without resolving all uncertainties.

Contextual Notes

Some equations and assumptions presented may depend on specific definitions or contexts that are not fully clarified, and there are unresolved mathematical steps in the derivations discussed.

randombill
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Hi,

I needed to derive a few equations using relativistic kinematics and I needed help with this simple equation.

attachment.png


Basically I need to write the p^2c^2 part in terms of mass and c, in other words, what is p equal to without E being in the equation?
 

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p=m0*v/Sqrt[1-v^2/c^2], m0 is the rest mass.

For anything more, you'll have to let us know where you're trying to get to (i.e. the equations you want to derive).
 
timthereaper said:
p=m0*v/Sqrt[1-v^2/c^2], m0 is the rest mass.

For anything more, you'll have to let us know where you're trying to get to (i.e. the equations you want to derive).

Sure,

I http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/relativ/relmom.html" that (pc)2 = (mc2)2 - (mo2c4)



So would this be correct?

E = ((moc2)2 + (mc2)2 - (mo2c4))1/2
 
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randombill said:
So would this be correct?

E = ((moc2)2 + (mc2)2 - (mo2c4))1/2

Yes, but it doesn't say anything really new. The first and last terms in that equation cancel. After you do that, what do you have left? :smile:
 
<br /> E=\gamma m_0c^2<br />
and
<br /> (pc)^2=E^2-(m_0 c^2)^2<br />
Make the appropriate substitution.
 
Thanks for the help thus far. The page I'm looking at is http://teachers.web.cern.ch/teachers/archiv/hst2002/bubblech/mbitu/applications_of_special_relativi.htm" and I'm trying to derive the general equation for an elastic collision. So far I have the following solved, please check my math. It's a little blurry, sorry!

attachment.php?attachmentid=37377&stc=1&d=1311222833.jpg
 

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