How can I integrate the relativistic mass equation using an elegant method?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Semo727
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Integral
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around integrating the function \(\frac{1}{(1-v^2)^{3/2}}\) in the context of relativistic mass, specifically aiming to derive the expression for relativistic mass \(m_v=\frac{m_0}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}}\). The original poster seeks a more elegant method for performing this integral.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster describes their method of integration, expressing a desire for a more elegant approach. Some participants express admiration for the original poster's method, while others question the efficiency of their approach and suggest checking the result through differentiation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the effectiveness of different integration methods. There is no explicit consensus on the best approach, but suggestions for verification through differentiation have been provided.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions limited knowledge of integration techniques, specifically only being familiar with integration by parts and substitution. This context may influence the discussion and the suggestions made by other participants.

Semo727
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Hello!

I would like to count (see the way how to count) this integral
\int_0^v \frac{1}{(1-v^2)^{3/2}} \,dv
It should be
\frac{v}{\sqrt{1-v^2}}.
I have managed to count it (I have just derived the result, and followed steps in reversed order),
but this method was a little bit clumsy, I think.

It looked like this:
\int\frac{1}{(1-v^2)^{3/2}} \,dv=\int\frac{1-v^2+v^2}{(1-v^2)^{3/2}} \,dv=\int\left[\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-v^2}}+\frac{v^2}{(1-v^2)^{3/2}}\right]\,dv=
=\frac{v}{\sqrt{1-v^2}}\ +\ C\ -\ \int\frac{v^2}{(1-v^2)^{3/2}}\,dv\ +\ \int\frac{v^2}{(1-v^2)^{3/2}}\,dv=\frac{v}{\sqrt{1-v^2}}\ +\ C

so

\int_0^v \frac{1}{(1-v^2)^{3/2}} \,dv=\frac{v}{\sqrt{1-v^2}}\ +\ C\ -\ C\ =\frac{v}{\sqrt{1-v^2}}

I would really appreciate if you write here some more elegant way (if exists) to count that integral.
I need to integrate it to get relativistic mass m_v=\frac{m_0}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}}.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I for one admire the way you did it. :eek:
 
:rolleyes: OK, thanks. I just thought that there is some much shorter way I don't know about becouse I don't know much about integrating methods. (I know just per partes and substitution)
 
One way to check if your way of integrating is the fastest is to differentiate your answer and simplify to get back to the integrand. Then compare this process to the way you integrated. In this case, to differentiate, you have to use the product rule, then multiply the first term by (1-v2)/(1-v2), and then add the terms. This is exactly the reverse of how you integrated, which was to separate the integrand into the sum of two terms, multiply the first one by (1-v2)/(1-v2), and then use integration by parts (which you call counting), which is the integral equivalent to the product rule. This would suggest your way is the best.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
8K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K