Solve relativistic differential force equation for velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the relativistic differential force equation for velocity, specifically the equation F = γ³m(dVx/dt) = m(dVx/dt)/(1 - (v/c)²)^(3/2). Participants confirm that this equation is separable and can be solved using trigonometric substitution, leading to the velocity expression v(t) = at/√(1 + (at/c)²). Key points include the importance of consistent variable usage and the assumption of constant acceleration during the solution process.

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psal
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Homework Statement


I proved that a relativistic 1D force is
F = \gamma3*m*dVx/dt = m * dVx/dt * 1/ (1 - (v/c)2)3/2

Then, "This is a separable differential equation that can be solved using a trig
substitution. Use this (or some other technique that works) to show that the velocity is given by
v(t) = \frac{a*t}{\sqrt{1 + \frac{at}{c}<sup>2</sup>}}

Homework Equations



a = \frac{dVx}{dt} * \frac{1}{(1-\frac{v}{c}<sup>3/2</sup>}
β = \frac{v}{c} = sinΘ
cosΘ = \sqrt{1 - β<sup>2</sup>}

The Attempt at a Solution


dβ = cosθdθ
a(t) = \frac{c*cosθdθ}{cos<sup>2</sup>θ} = \frac{cdθ}{cosθ}
I don't really know what to do from here to arive at the answer
 
Last edited:
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psal said:

Homework Statement


I proved that a relativistic 1D force is
F = \gamma^3m\frac{dVx}{dt} = m \frac {dVx}{dt}\frac 1{(1 - (v/c)^2)^{3/2}}

I think I fixed the Tex in your first equation. Don't use the sup and /sup tags in a tex expression. If you want an exponent of 3/2 just use ^{3/2} in the Tex. You also don't need the * for multiplication. You can use \cdot if you really want a multiplication sign. I will leave it to you to fix the rest if you desire. Also you can preview your posts before posting to see if the Tex is working.
 
Last edited:
psal said:

Homework Statement


I proved that a relativistic 1D force is
$$F = \gamma^3 m \frac{dV_x}{dt} = m \frac{dV_x}{dt} \frac{1}{[1 - (v/c)^2]^{3/2}}.$$ Then, "This is a separable differential equation that can be solved using a trig substitution. Use this (or some other technique that works) to show that the velocity is given by
$$v(t) = \frac{at}{\sqrt{1 + \left(\frac{at}{c}\right)^2}}$$

Homework Equations


\begin{align*}
a &= \frac{dV_x}{dt} \frac{1}{[1 - (v/c)^2]^{3/2}} \\
\beta &= \frac{v}{c} = \sin \theta \\
\cos \theta &= \sqrt{1 - \beta^2}
\end{align*}

The Attempt at a Solution


$$d\beta = \cos\theta\,d\theta$$
$$a(t) = \frac{c\cos\theta\,d\theta}{\cos^2\theta} = \frac{c\,d\theta}{\cos\theta}$$
I don't really know what to do from here to arrive at the answer.
I take it you're using ##V_x## and ##v## to represent the same thing. Don't do that. Pick one. It also looks like you're supposed to assume the acceleration ##a## is constant.

After the substitution, you have
$$a\,dt = \frac{c \cos\theta \, d\theta}{(1-\sin^2\theta)^{3/2}}.$$ If you simplify that, you don't get what you got. Your last line, in particular, doesn't make sense. You shouldn't have a ##d\theta## all alone in the equation.
 

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