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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the momentum of a proton expressed in MeV/c, a unit commonly used in nuclear physics. The original poster presents a scenario involving the mass of a proton and its speed, seeking guidance on how to initiate the calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the meaning of the units involved, particularly questioning the term "pc" and its relevance to the problem. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to start the calculation, while others suggest focusing on the units of momentum.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and prompting further exploration of the units involved. There is no explicit consensus yet, but some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the units.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the relationship between energy and momentum in the context of the problem, as well as the requirement to attempt the problem before receiving help.

J.live
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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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