How Do You Calculate Kinetic Energy in Relativistic Collisions?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the kinetic energy of a particle with mass m colliding with a stationary particle of mass 2m, resulting in a composite mass of √17m. The initial attempts involved using conservation of mass-energy and momentum, but the user struggled to derive the required kinetic energy value of k = 2mc². A request for detailed work on the calculations was made, emphasizing the need for clarity in problem-solving. Ultimately, the user resolved the problem independently and expressed gratitude for the assistance. The thread highlights the importance of detailed problem-solving steps in physics discussions.
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Homework Statement



We have a particle mass ##m## with kinetic energy ##k## colliding with a stationary particle of mass ##2m##. The collision creates a composite mass of ##\sqrt{17}m##. Find the value of ##k##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I have tried using mass-energy conservation and also momentum conservation, but I can't seem to get the required result of ##k=2mc^2##
 
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Please show your work. Simply generically describing what you tried unsuccessfully isn't helpful at all.
 
vela said:
Please show your work. Simply generically describing what you tried unsuccessfully isn't helpful at all.

My apologies. Fairly new round here... I've figured it out now, but many thanks anyways
 
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