Mag of impulse required to change speed question.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the impulse required to increase the speed of a proton from 0.995c to 0.998c, where c represents the speed of light. The participant initially attempted to use the equation for momentum, applying the formula (momentum_final) = (momentum_initial) + F_net * (change in time) to derive impulse. However, they recognized that traditional momentum calculations (mv) are inadequate at relativistic speeds, necessitating the use of relativistic momentum equations to achieve accurate results.

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Homework Statement



A proton has mass 1.7x10-27 kg. What is the magnitude of the impulse required in the direction of motion to increase its speed from 0.995c to 0.998c? Where c is the speed of light.

Homework Equations



Im not quite sure of what equation is supposed to be used. I tried using (momentumfinal)=(momentuminitial) + Fnet*(changeintime)

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok my attempt at the problem is the only way i can think of it and the answer is still wrong. I first multiplied the speeds by the mass to get a momentum. Then used the two momentums and plugged them into the equation above and solved for Fnet*(changintime) which equals Impulse if I am not mistaken. I got the number 1.53e-21 for my answer.

The only problems i can think of is maybe those speeds are speeds(needs to be velocity).. and can't multiply by the mass to get a momentum but i don't see why that would cause a problem. Overall I am stumped on this problem and not sure why what I've done doesn't work. I even have talked to others in the class and no one can figure it out.

Thanks for all the help in advance guys.
 
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Considering how high the speed of the particle is, I wonder if you have to consider relativistic momentum?
 
Yes, 0.995c is definitely relativistic. mv will not work for calculating momentum.
 

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