Is the Gamma Factor Relevant for Accelerated Electrons?

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In summary, the simple relativity problem is a thought experiment that explores the effects of time dilation and length contraction in special relativity. It involves two observers, one moving at a high speed relative to the other, and examines how their measurements of time and distance differ. The speed of light, denoted by "c", is a fundamental constant in this problem and plays a crucial role in the equations of special relativity. The simple relativity problem is also related to Einstein's theory of relativity and has real-world applications in various fields such as particle physics, space travel, and GPS technology.
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flash
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Hi,

The problem is to determine whether or not relativistic effects are relevant for an electron accelerated to an energy of a) 100MeV and b) 100GeV. So I need to find the gamma factor of the electron in each of these cases.

I have used [tex]E = \gamma m_0 c^2 [/tex] and solved for gamma = 195 in the first case and 195360 in the second case, which are definitely relativistic results.

However I'm not sure I'm using the right formula here. If someone could confirm this that would be great.
 
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  • #2
it is correct formula, and result is also correct :-)
 
  • #3
Excellent, thanks alot.
 

1. What is the concept of simple relativity problem?

The simple relativity problem is a thought experiment that explores the effects of time dilation and length contraction in special relativity. It involves two observers, one moving at a high speed relative to the other, and examines how their measurements of time and distance differ.

2. How do time dilation and length contraction work in the simple relativity problem?

In the simple relativity problem, time dilation occurs when an observer moving at a high speed measures time passing slower for the other observer. Length contraction, on the other hand, refers to the phenomenon where the moving observer measures the length of an object in the other observer's frame of reference to be shorter than it actually is.

3. What is the significance of the speed of light in the simple relativity problem?

The speed of light, denoted by "c", is a fundamental constant in the simple relativity problem. It is the maximum speed at which any object can travel in the universe and is the same for all observers, regardless of their relative velocities. This constant plays a crucial role in the equations of special relativity.

4. How does the simple relativity problem relate to Einstein's theory of relativity?

The simple relativity problem is a simplified version of the thought experiments used by Albert Einstein to develop his theory of special relativity. It helps to illustrate the fundamental principles of the theory, such as the constancy of the speed of light and the relativity of simultaneity.

5. What are some real-world applications of the concepts in the simple relativity problem?

The concepts of time dilation and length contraction, explored in the simple relativity problem, have real-world applications in fields such as particle physics, space travel, and GPS technology. They also play a crucial role in our understanding of the structure and behavior of the universe at a fundamental level.

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