Relativistic Kinetic Energy Derivation

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the derivation of relativistic kinetic energy, specifically the expression for the differential of the relativistic momentum, represented as d(γmu). The key equation derived is d(γmu) = m/(1 - u²/c²)^(3/2) du, where γ is the Lorentz factor defined as γ = 1/√(1 - u²/c²). The user initially struggled with applying the product rule correctly but ultimately resolved the issue after recognizing a sign error in their calculations.

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  • Understanding of relativistic mechanics and the Lorentz factor (γ).
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically the product rule for differentiation.
  • Knowledge of the concept of kinetic energy in the context of special relativity.
  • Basic understanding of the relationship between velocity (u) and the speed of light (c).
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  • Study the derivation of relativistic energy equations in detail.
  • Learn how to apply the product rule in calculus to complex functions.
  • Explore the implications of relativistic effects on momentum and energy.
  • Investigate additional examples of relativistic kinetic energy problems.
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Students of physics, particularly those studying special relativity, as well as educators and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of relativistic energy concepts.

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Homework Statement



This problem comes from an intermediate step in the textbook's derivation of relativistic energy. It states that

E_k\:=\:\int _0^u\frac{d\left(\gamma mu\right)}{dt}dx

then leaves the following intermediate calculation as an exercise to the reader:

Show that

d\left(\gamma mu\right)=\frac{m}{\left(1-\frac{u^2}{c^2}\right)^{\frac{3}{2}}\:}du

Homework Equations



Where

\gamma \:=\:\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{u^2}{c^2}}}

The Attempt at a Solution

:
[/B]

I tried using the product rule

\frac{d}{du}\left(\gamma mu\right)=m\:\frac{d}{du}\left(\gamma u\right)=\:m\left(\gamma 'u+u'\gamma \right)=\:m\left[u\:\frac{d}{du}\left(1-\frac{u^2}{c^2}\right)^{-\frac{1}{2}}+\left(1-\frac{u^2}{c^2}\right)^{-\frac{1}{2}}\right]

=m\left[\frac{u^2}{c^2}\left(1-\frac{u^2}{c^2}\right)^{-\frac{3}{2}}+\left(1+\frac{u^2}{c^2}\right)^{-\frac{1}{2}}\right]

Anyone know what I'm doing wrong?
 
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Everything looks good so far. Keep going. :oldsmile:

[Oops, I do see a typo error in your last equation. Check the signs inside the parentheses.]
 
TSny said:
Everything looks good so far. Keep going. :oldsmile:

[Oops, I do see a typo error in your last equation. Check the signs inside the parentheses.]

Thank you!

I figured it out. I can't believe I did not see that this entire time.
 
Last edited:

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