How Do You Calculate the Momentum of a Proton in MeV/c?

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SUMMARY

The momentum of a proton can be calculated in units of MeV/c, where c represents the speed of light (approximately 2.998 x 10^8 m/s). Given the mass of a proton as 938.3 MeV/c² and its speed of 18,646 km/s, the calculation requires converting the speed into consistent units and applying the formula for momentum. The relationship between energy and momentum in nuclear physics is crucial for solving such problems, particularly using the conversion factor of 1 MeV/c = 1.602 x 10^-13 J/(3 x 10^8 m/s).

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  • Understanding of energy units, specifically electron-volts (eV) and mega-electron-volts (MeV).
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  • Basic algebra for unit conversion and problem-solving in physics.
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  • Study the relationship between energy and momentum in relativistic physics.
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  • Review examples of momentum calculations for other particles, such as electrons and neutrons.
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Students and professionals in nuclear physics, physicists calculating particle momentum, and anyone interested in the principles of relativistic mechanics.

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The electron-volt, eV, is a unit of energy (1 eV = 1.602 10^-19 J, 1 MeV = 1.602 x 10^-13 J). Since the unit of momentum is an energy unit divided by a velocity unit, nuclear physicists usually specify momenta of nuclei in units of MeV/c, where c is the speed of light (c = 2.998 108 m/s). In the same units, the mass of a proton (1.673 · 10^−27 kg) is given as 938.3 MeV/c2. If a proton moves with a speed of 18,646 km/s, what is its momentum in units of MeV/c?
The attempt at a solution

I know the rule of the forum is I have to attempt the problem before someone can help me. But, honestly I don't know how to initiate this problem. I have tried but failed.

It will be appreciated if someone can at least show me the procedure if not the answer.
 
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What are the units of pc, where p is the momentum of the proton?
 
What is pc? I don't see any pc in the given problem :/
 
bump :/
 
J.live said:
What is pc? I don't see any pc in the given problem :/

There is a pc in the problem, you just don't see it yet. Determine the units of this quantity and you should have a strong hint about how to get the answer you're looking for.
 
Hint: 1 MeV/c = 1.602x10-13 J/(3x108 m/s)
 

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