Solve relativistic velocity in terms of momentum (vector equation)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the relativistic velocity vector equation given by \(\vec{p}=\frac{m_0}{\sqrt{1-\frac{|\vec{v}|^2}{c^2}}}\vec{v}\). The user seeks to isolate \(\vec{v}\) for numerical approximation in relativistic motion problems. The solution provided is \(\vec{v}=\frac{\vec{p}}{\sqrt{m_0^2+\frac{|\vec{p}|^2}{c^2}}}\), achieved through a series of algebraic manipulations involving squaring the equation and substituting variables. This method simplifies the complexity of dealing with non-linear vector equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic momentum and its vector representation
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of equations
  • Knowledge of vector calculus and its applications in physics
  • Basic proficiency in using Mathematica for computational solutions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of relativistic momentum equations
  • Learn advanced algebraic techniques for solving non-linear equations
  • Explore vector calculus applications in physics
  • Practice using Mathematica for solving complex physics problems
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Physicists, students studying relativity, and anyone involved in computational physics who needs to solve relativistic motion problems.

winstonyin
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Given the formula [itex]\vec{p}=\frac{m_0}{\sqrt{1-\frac{|\vec{v}|^2}{c^2}}}\vec{v}[/itex], I'd like to make [itex]\vec{v}[/itex] the subject, so I can do a numerical approximation for some relativistic motion problem. I want to treat it as a vector equation, but since it is non-linear, the only way I can think of is to split it into 3 equations with [itex]|\vec{v}|^2=v_x^2+v_y^2+v_z^2[/itex]. This is however very complicated, though Mathematica gave me the answer analogous to the equation with only magnitudes of the vectors. Is there a simple way I can solve such kind of vector equations?

Edited 3 Dec:
Solution: [itex]\vec{v}=\frac{\vec{p}}{\sqrt{m_0^2+\frac{|\vec{p}|^2}{c^2}}}[/itex]
 
Last edited:
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1. Square the equation to get p^2=f(v^2).
2. Solve this for v^2=g(p^2).
3. Put this nto the square root to replace the v^2 by p^2.
4. Rewrite the original equation with the new square root.
 

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