Relativistic particle moving in a potential

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the energy conservation of a relativistic particle initially at rest, leading to the equation m_0 c^2 = √(c^2 p^2 + m_0^2 c^4) + αx. After squaring and simplifying, the participant arrives at the equation 0 = -α^2 x^2 + (E^2 ẋ^2)/(c^2 - ẋ^2) + 2αEx, expressing uncertainty about its correctness and how to solve it. Another participant confirms the expression's validity and suggests solving for ẋ to rewrite it in the form ẋ = f(x), followed by integrating both sides. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integration in resolving the final expression.
PhysicsRock
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Homework Statement
Consider a relativistic particle of mass ##m_0## in ##(1+1)##-spacetime dimensions. In an inertial frame of reference with spacetime coordinates ##(t,x)##, we define the potential as ##V(x) = \alpha x## with ##\alpha > 0##. The particle is at rest at time ##t=0## and it's position is ##x(0) = 0##. Determine the trajectory ##x(t)## of the particle.
Hint: Use the conservation of total energy.
Relevant Equations
##E_\text{tot} = \sqrt{ c^2 p^2 + m_0^2 c^4 } + \alpha x##
Since energy is conserved and the particle is initially at rest, we can determine that ##E(0) = m_0 c^2##, so

$$
m_0 c^2 = \sqrt{ c^2 p^2 + m_0^2 c^4 } + \alpha x.
$$

Squaring this eqation gives

$$
m_0^2 c^4 = \alpha^2 x^2 + c^2 p^2 + m_0^2 c^4 + 2 \alpha x \sqrt{ c^2 p^2 + m_0^2 c^4 }
\Rightarrow 0 = \alpha^2 x^2 + c^2 p^2 + 2 \alpha x ( E - \alpha x ).
$$

Using ##p = \gamma m_0 \dot{x}##, I was able to simplify this equation to

$$
0 = -\alpha^2 x^2 + \frac{E^2 \dot{x}^2}{c^2 - \dot{x}^2} + 2 \alpha E x
$$

This is the point where I'm stuck. I have doubled checked and I'm pretty sure that this final expression is correct, however, I cannot guarantee that it actually is. If it is, I have no clue how to solve this equation.
 
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PhysicsRock said:
$$0 = -\alpha^2 x^2 + \frac{E^2 \dot{x}^2}{c^2 - \dot{x}^2} + 2 \alpha E x$$
This expression is correct, and can be solved via integration using the following steps:
  1. Solve for ##\dot{x}## to get the form ##\dot{x}\equiv\frac{dx}{dt}=f\left(x\right)##.
  2. Rewrite this as ##\frac{dx}{f\left(x\right)}=dt##.
  3. Integrate both sides.
 
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Likes vanhees71, PhysicsRock, topsquark and 1 other person
renormalize said:
This expression is correct, and can be solved via integration using the following steps:
  1. Solve for ##\dot{x}## to get the form ##\dot{x}\equiv\frac{dx}{dt}=f\left(x\right)##.
  2. Rewrite this as ##\frac{dx}{f\left(x\right)}=dt##.
  3. Integrate both sides.
Thank you for the hint. I'll try to solve it.
 
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