Special relativity concept question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a question related to special relativity, specifically focusing on the conditions under which relativistic effects become significant compared to classical physics. The original poster is trying to determine the speed at which observations deviate from classical expectations by 1% using the concept of gamma (γ).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set gamma equal to 1.01 to find the corresponding speed, but expresses confusion about how to proceed from that point. Other participants suggest setting up an equation to solve for the speed, while some question how to isolate the variable v given the presence of two unknowns.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and offering guidance on how to approach the equation. There is an acknowledgment that c, the speed of light, is a known constant, which may help in isolating v.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the challenge of working with relativistic equations and the implications of classical versus relativistic physics. The original poster has indicated a lack of clarity on how to manipulate the equation to isolate the desired variable.

squishy-fish
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Homework Statement



gammav is a reasonable measure of the size of relativistic effects. Roughly speaking, at what speed would observations deviate from classical expectations by 1%?

Homework Equations



gammav = 1/ [sqrt91.v2) / c2]

The Attempt at a Solution



I've honestly puzzled over this question for hours, and have gotten nowhere. Any hints would be greatly appreciated. I have no idea where to even start. I know that I need gammav to be equal to 1.01 for it to be 1% different from classical physics. . .
However I'm not sure where to go from here.
 
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squishy-fish said:
I know that I need gammav to be equal to 1.01 for it to be 1% different from classical physics. . .
Why not set up an equation expressing this and then solve for v?
 
so 1.01 = 1/ [sqrt(1 - v2) / c2]
But now I have 2 unknowns..c and v right? So how do I isolate just v?
 
squishy-fish said:
so 1.01 = 1/ [sqrt(1 - v2) / c2]
But now I have 2 unknowns..c and v right? So how do I isolate just v?
c is not an unknown, it's the speed of light! Your answer for v will be in terms of c. Just solve for v like you normally would.
 

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