Solving Relativity Homework: Mass & Speed

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In summary, in this collision between two objects of mass m1, the first object with speed u collides with the second object at rest and they stick together to move as one mass with speed v. Using the conservation of energy and momentum, we can set up two equations to solve for the final mass and velocity.
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Homework Statement



We have two objects of mass m1. The first object is moving towards the second and has speed u. After they collide, they stick together and move as one mass with speed v.
Now what is the resulting mass and what is v?


Homework Equations






The Attempt at a Solution



I used that the energy is conserved and the equation E^{2}=(mc^{2})^{2}+(pc)^{2}

But I don't get the correct answer
 
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  • #2
Is the second object at rest? Regardless of the answer to this question, you need to conserve momentum. This is an inelastic collision and unless you can account for the energy that is dissipated as heat during the collision, you cannot conserve energy.
 
  • #3
the second one is at rest, and there is no energy loss.
 
  • #4
OK, if there is no energy loss, then total relativistic energy is conserved. You need to say with an equation that

Energy before = Energy after

and with another equation that conserves momentum:

Momentum before = Momentum after

This will give you two equations and you have two unknowns, the final velocity and the final mass.
 

1. How do I calculate the mass of an object in relativity?

In relativity, the mass of an object is given by the equation m = m0 / sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2), where m0 is the rest mass of the object, v is the velocity of the object, and c is the speed of light. This equation takes into account the effects of time dilation and length contraction at high speeds.

2. What is the equation for calculating the speed of an object in relativity?

The equation for calculating the speed of an object in relativity is v = c * sqrt(1 - (m0/m)^2), where c is the speed of light, m0 is the rest mass of the object, and m is the mass of the object at a given speed. This equation takes into account the effects of mass increase at high speeds.

3. How does the mass of an object change as it approaches the speed of light?

As an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases due to the effects of time dilation and length contraction. This means that the object will require more and more energy to accelerate it to higher speeds, making it almost impossible to reach the speed of light.

4. Can the mass of an object ever reach infinity at the speed of light?

No, according to the theory of relativity, the mass of an object can never reach infinity. As the object's speed approaches the speed of light, its mass will continue to increase, but it will never reach infinity. This is because the amount of energy needed to accelerate an object to the speed of light would also become infinite.

5. How does relativity change our understanding of the relationship between mass and speed?

Relativity shows that the relationship between mass and speed is not a simple, linear one. As an object's speed approaches the speed of light, its mass increases significantly, making it more and more difficult to accelerate. This challenges our traditional understanding of mass as a constant value and highlights the importance of considering the effects of relativity at high speeds.

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