Is distance traveled proportional to relativistic momentum?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between distance traveled and relativistic momentum in the context of particle physics. The user is modeling a particle's motion with momentum components Px, Py, and Pz, and is attempting to calculate the distance traveled in the z direction using the equation for relativistic momentum, \vec{p}=\frac{m\vec{v}}{\sqrt{1-\vec{v}^2/c^2}}. The user proposes a proportionality between momentum and distance, leading to the equation d_z=\frac{p_z}{p_\perp}d_\perp, but seeks clarification on the validity of incorporating the gamma factor and time interval into the proportionality constant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic momentum and its equation
  • Familiarity with the concept of gamma factor in special relativity
  • Basic knowledge of particle motion in three-dimensional space
  • Ability to manipulate vector equations in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the gamma factor in special relativity
  • Research the relationship between momentum and distance in relativistic contexts
  • Explore the geometry of particle motion in three dimensions
  • Learn about the application of conservation laws in particle physics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, particle physicists, and anyone interested in the dynamics of relativistic particles and their momentum calculations.

JuliusCSquared
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hi I've been modelling a particle traveling in a particle detector that has a momentum vector Px, Py, Pz which we've conveniently been using Pperpendicular (i.e. in the xy plane) and Pz.

I can calculate the distance traveled in the xy plane and I need to calculate the distance traveled in the z direction.

Homework Equations


[/B]
Knowing that

\vec{p}=\frac{m\vec{v}}{\sqrt{1-\vec{v}^2/c^2}}

The Attempt at a Solution



My guess was Momentum is proportional to the distance traveled which I can convince myself of in the case of classical momentum but knowing the momentum of this particle is of the order GeV/c I'm unsure whether I can actually do this? My assumption comes from being able to do this,

\vec{d}=\frac{m \Delta t}{\sqrt{1-\vec{v}^2/c^2}}\vec{v}

where I assumed there was a proportionality constant k such that

p_\perp = k d_\perp
p_z = k d_z

Therefore

d_z=\frac{p_z}{p_\perp}d_\perp

But I'm unsure if I can just throw in the gamma factor and the time interval into that constant k such that these equations are valid. Would this be correct or would I have to do it another way?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The direction of motion is the direction of the momentum vector. Everything else follows from basic geometry.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K