Momentum of a Fast-Moving Proton

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the magnitude of the velocity vector for a fast-moving proton, specifically addressing how the components of the velocity vector are represented and utilized in momentum calculations. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical reasoning related to vector components in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the magnitude of the velocity vector was determined, suggesting that it should simply be 2*10^7 m/s.
  • Another participant notes the absence of an example in the discussion, indicating a need for clarity.
  • A later reply proposes that the velocity vector should include three components, suggesting a possible misprint in the original problem statement.
  • Another participant asserts that the calculation of momentum requires all three components of the velocity vector, implying that the author may have omitted necessary details in the initial problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the completeness of the information provided regarding the velocity vector, with no consensus reached on the correct representation of the vector components.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the initial problem statement and whether all necessary components of the velocity vector were included. The discussion highlights potential misprints and the implications for momentum calculations.

vanceEE
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How was the magnitude of the velocity vector found in the example provided? This is a particle in space so I has 3 coordinates but I am told that the velocity vector is m/s, so wouldn't the magnitude just be 2*10^7 m/s?
 
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Certainly the units of speed or velocity is "m/s" but I see no "example provided".
 
Just posted it, must be a misprint because three components of the vector would need to be included whether zero or not, so according to the solution, I believe that the author meant that the velocity vector was <2*10^7, 1*10^7, -3*10^7>m/s
 
The calculation of the momentum ##\vec p## includes the three vector components of velocity as you gave them, so the author must have accidentally given only one of them in the initial problem statement, and nobody caught it during proof-reading.
 

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