How do you verify that v/c=pc/E?

  • Thread starter asdf1
  • Start date
In summary, the verification of v/c=pc/E only applies to free particles and can be derived from known expressions for momentum and energy. It cannot be applied to particles in potential fields, as the result will be different.
  • #1
asdf1
734
0
How do you verify that v/c=pc/E?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
HINT:

[tex] p=\gamma m_{0} v [/tex]

[tex] E=\gamma m_{0} c^{2} [/tex]

Daniel.
 
  • #3
Your question is too short, and BTW only applies to free particles. I don't know what you are starting with. Or even whether you mean experimental verification. As Dextrecioby points out, if you already know expressions for p and E, the result is trivial. Another possible starting point is that you know only
[tex]E^2=p^2c^2-m_0^2c^4[/tex]
and Hamilton's equations. Then use H=E(p,x), and
[tex]v=dx/dt=\partial H/\partial p[/tex]
or the vector generalization.
 
  • #4
@@a
why does it only apply to free particles?
 
  • #5
If a particle is in a potential field [itex]\Phi(x,y,z)[/itex], then
[tex](E-\Phi)^2=p^2c^2-m_0^2c^4[/tex]
so v/c is not equal to pc/E. One can define "kinetic energy" as [itex]K=E-\Phi(x,y,z)[/itex], then v/c=pc/K. That's just one example of non-free.
 
  • #6
i see... thank you very much!
 

1. How do you determine the value of v/c?

The value of v/c, or the ratio of velocity to the speed of light, can be determined through experiments that measure the velocity of a particle and the speed of light. This value can also be calculated using the Lorentz factor, which takes into account the velocity and the speed of light.

2. What is the significance of v/c in the equation v/c=pc/E?

The value of v/c is significant in the equation because it represents the ratio of velocity to the speed of light, which is a fundamental constant in the theory of relativity. It helps to describe the relationship between momentum and energy in relativistic systems.

3. How do you verify that v/c=pc/E?

The equation v/c=pc/E can be verified through experiments that measure the velocity, momentum, and energy of particles in relativistic systems. By comparing the results of these measurements to the predicted values from the equation, we can determine the accuracy and validity of the equation.

4. What are some examples of situations where v/c=pc/E applies?

The equation v/c=pc/E applies in many situations, such as in particle accelerators, where particles are accelerated to high speeds close to the speed of light. It also applies in astrophysics, where the velocities and energies of celestial objects are measured and analyzed.

5. Are there any limitations to the equation v/c=pc/E?

Yes, there are limitations to the equation v/c=pc/E. It is only valid in relativistic systems where the speed of the particles is close to the speed of light. It also assumes that the particles have no mass and are moving in a straight line, which may not always be the case in real-world situations.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
970
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
67
Views
6K
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
255
Replies
3
Views
582
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
540
Replies
12
Views
748
  • Classical Physics
Replies
6
Views
318
Back
Top