Proton passes the Milky Way galaxy, find its energy?

AI Thread Summary
A proton takes 5 minutes to cross the Milky Way galaxy, which is approximately 100,000 light-years in diameter. The discussion revolves around calculating the proton's energy in electronvolts, but participants express confusion over the appropriate equations and variables. One participant attempts to use the equation E=(1/2)mv^2, mistakenly referencing the photon rest mass, which is zero. Another clarifies that the correct approach involves understanding the relationship between speed, distance, and time in the context of relativistic physics. The conversation highlights the complexities of calculating relativistic energy and the importance of using the correct mass and equations.
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for the following question:
In its own frame of reference, a proton takes 5min to cross the Milky Way galaxy, which is about 10^5 light-years in diameter.
What is the approximate energy of the proton in electronvolts?

my problem:
v*5*60=(10^5)*3*(10^8)*[1-(v^2/c^2)]
however, i can't calulate v on the calculator, because v is too small...
i was trying to use E=(1/2)mv^2, where m is the photon rest mass...
is that right?

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asdf1 said:
v*5*60=(10^5)*3*(10^8)*[1-(v^2/c^2)]

This looks like algebraic soup! Why, oh why, are you combining these quantities together in this way? From what equation are you working?

It looks like:

vt=\frac{Dc}{\gamma ^2}

where v is the proton speed in the galaxy frame, D is the galactic radius in the galaxy frame, and t is the travel time in the proton frame.
however, i can't calulate v on the calculator, because v is too small...
i was trying to use E=(1/2)mv^2, where m is the photon rest mass...
is that right?

No, it's not right. The photon rest mass is zero.
 
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