Rest Energy - Kinetic Energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the total energy of a particle with a given rest mass and kinetic energy. Participants explore the relationship between rest energy and kinetic energy, questioning how to calculate the total energy of the particle.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks whether the total energy of the particle is 600 MeV or 200 MeV, given its rest mass and kinetic energy.
  • Another participant suggests considering the process of giving the particle kinetic energy from rest, questioning whether this involves adding or removing energy.
  • Some participants assert that the total energy can be calculated using the formula E = Eo + KE, leading to a total of 600 MeV.
  • There is a repeated affirmation of the calculation leading to 600 MeV as the total energy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While some participants agree on the calculation leading to a total energy of 600 MeV, there is a lack of consensus on the conceptual understanding of energy addition or removal in the context of kinetic energy.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the assumptions behind their calculations or the definitions of energy being used, leaving some aspects of the discussion unresolved.

orangepeelsnice
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We are giving a particle with mass 400 Mev/C2 and 200 MeV KE.

What is the Energy of the particle?

Is it 600 MeV or 200 MeV?
 
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orangepeelsnice said:
What is the Energy of the particle?

Consider what you would have to do to the particle, starting from rest (i.e., total energy equal to its rest energy of 400 MeV), to give it 200 MeV of kinetic energy. You would have to set it in motion. Would that be adding energy to the particle, or taking energy away from it?
 
the obvious answer is to say it the E = Eo+KE = 600 MeV, just making sure
 
orangepeelsnice said:
the obvious answer is to say it the E = Eo+KE = 600 MeV

Yes.
 

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