Relativistic acceleration with integration problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a spaceship accelerating at a rate equivalent to Earth's gravity, g, and seeks to derive the final velocity after a time T. The context is rooted in relativistic physics, specifically dealing with the Lorentz factor and the effects of acceleration on perceived forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and time, with attempts to integrate the equations of motion. There are questions about how to properly express acceleration in terms of velocity and time, and confusion regarding the integration process due to the presence of velocity as a function of time.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered hints and suggestions for approaching the integration, including the use of chain rule and trigonometric substitution. There is recognition of the complexity of the integral involved, and some participants express uncertainty about the next steps while others attempt to clarify the relationships between the variables.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of integrating a differential equation that involves both velocity and time, with some expressing concern about the implications of their current understanding and the need for clarity in the integration process.

Gravitino22
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Homework Statement



Consider a spaceship that accelerates so that the passengers feel and acceleration equal to that of gravity of the earth’s surface, g. If the spaceship undergoes this acceleration for a time T, show that the final velocity is given by:
V=c[1+(c/gT)^2]^(-1/2)


Homework Equations



F=(gamma^3)ma where gamma= [1-(v/c)^2]^-1/2 (the Lorentz factor)

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the passengers always feel the acceleration of gravity, you don’t actually feel acceleration you feel the force mg. So at any time the passengers must feel mg so:

mg=(gamma^3)ma
a=g/(gamma^3)

I converted gamma into the function and tried to integrate to obtain V but that’s where I got stuck .

a=g[1-(v/c)^2]^3/2

I trying to integrate with respect to dt but v it self is a dx/dt so I am wierded out by that. I went to the professor and he gave me a hint in which I have to convert adt into another thing using the chain rule (whatever that means).
Somehow I think I have to integrate with respect to dv and have my limit be gT instead of T but iam not sure how to get to there.

Any help is greatly appreciated I have my test this week and I need to get a A :(.
 
Last edited:
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Hi Gravitino22! :smile:

(try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)

Your professor is probably thinking of something like
∫ f(v) dt = ∫ [f(v) / (dv/dt)] dv/dt dt = … :wink:
 
Use the definition of acceleration is to express the LHS in terms of v and t.
 
vela said:
Use the definition of acceleration is to express the LHS in terms of v and t.

Thats what i was trying

a=dv/dt then pass dt to the RHS to integrate and which also has a v=dx/dt which is where iam confused.

And for tiny-tim's response

Iam not seeing where your going with that...

=f(v)dtdv? double integration?
 
a=dv/dt, so you can write dv/dt=g[1-(v/c)^2]^3/2. You can integrate that to get a relationship between v and t. It's true that v=dx/dt, but since you're not asked to find x as a function of t, this equation is irrelevant.
 
The differential equation is separable, so you can get all the v's on one side and t on the other and then integrate each side.
 
Thanks vela,

I was trying that approach earlier but i can't solve that nasty integral, going to keep trying
 
Use the trig substitution v/c=sin θ. Then don't make the really stupid mistake I did, and the answer (for the integral) will pop right out.
 

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