Relativity: Mass with respect to velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of mass in the theory of relativity, specifically how mass varies with velocity as described by the equation m = m_{0}/√(1-v²/c²). Participants are tasked with sketching the graph of mass with respect to velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the properties of the graph, including intercepts, asymptotes, and symmetry. Some express uncertainty about how to begin sketching the graph, while others suggest considering the vertical intercept and asymptotic behavior.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to analyze the graph's characteristics, with some participants providing insights into the domain and behavior of the function. Guidance has been offered regarding the use of derivatives to find critical points, but there remains uncertainty about specific calculations and their implications in the context of relativity.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is a focus on understanding the mathematical relationships without providing direct solutions.

ek=1/2mv^2
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Homework Statement


In the theory of relativity, mass of a particle is

m= m[itex]_{0}[/itex]/ [itex]\sqrt{1-v^{2}/c^{2}}[/itex]

m is the mass when the particle moves at v relative to the observer, and m[itex]_{0}[/itex] is the rest mass.

Sketch the graph of m with respect to v.

Homework Equations


E = mc[itex]^{2}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


No idea where to start :(
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Don't you know how to sketch a curve? Think of what the vertical intercept is, and whether there's an asymptote.
 
ek=1/2mv^2 said:

Homework Statement


In the theory of relativity, mass of a particle is

m= m[itex]_{0}[/itex]/ [itex]\sqrt{1-v^{2}/c^{2}}[/itex]

m is the mass when the particle moves at v relative to the observer, and m[itex]_{0}[/itex] is the rest mass.

Sketch the graph of m with respect to v.


Homework Equations


E = mc[itex]^{2}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


No idea where to start :(

Would you know where to start if the problem was to graph$$
y = \frac 1 {\sqrt{1-\frac{x^2} 9}}$$?
 
Theory of special relativity graph

Homework Statement



In the theory of special relativity, mass of a particle is

[itex]m = \frac{m_{0}}{\sqrt{1-v^{2}/c^{2}}}[/itex]

m is the mass when the particle moves at v relative to the observer, and m0 is the rest mass.

Sketch the graph of m with respect to v. 2. Homework Equations

[itex]m = \frac{m_{0}}{\sqrt{1-v^{2}/c^{2}}}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



In order to sketch the graph, I had to first (before finding the derivative and second derivative):

- Define the domain
- Find the x and y intercepts
- Find where there would be asymptotes (both vertical and horizontal)
- Check for symmetry

DOMAIN

When the x-axis is the velocity of a particle, the domain is 0 [itex]\leq x[/itex][itex]\leq c[/itex]

INTERCEPTS

[itex]f(x) = y = m[/itex]

[itex]x = v[/itex]

therefore,

[itex]f(x) = \frac{m_{0}}{\sqrt{1-x^{2}/c^{2}}}[/itex]
I didn't find any x-intercepts

Found a y-intercept at [itex]y = m_{0}[/itex]

ASYMPTOTES
since domain has been restricted to be between 0 and C, there is no horizontal asymptote.

Vertical asymptote:
Took the just the denominator and made it = to zero, got v=c. Since v is x. It is [itex]x = c[/itex], the vertical asymptote. SYMMETRY

There is Even symmetry, [itex]f(x) = f(-x)[/itex]

Ok, so now the 1st and 2nd derivatives

1st derivative

[itex]m^{\prime} = \frac{-mv}{c^{2}-v^{2}}[/itex]

x-intercept at 0, therefore there is an interval of increase between 0 and c.

2nd derivative

[itex]m^{\prime \prime} = \frac{-(m + v) + 2m^{\prime}v}{c^{2} - v^{2}}[/itex]

Here is when i am really stuck, how do we find the zeros for the second derivative?

BTW, pic of question and answer is attached. (number 53)
 

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Last edited by a moderator:
You have an equation for m and m' to substitute in, m''=0, so solve for v.
Shortcut - what would m''=0 tell you?
What would that mean for relativity?
Is that reasonable physically?

http://www.weburbia.com/physics/mass.html
 
Thanks, that helped a lot. Have a great day.
 

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