Speed of Particles Homework: E=mc^2, E=Bev, Answer (a)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a physics homework problem involving the speed of particles using the equations E = 0.5 mc² and E = Bev. The correct answer is identified as (a), derived from the relationship between the energies of two particles, leading to the equation (v1 / v2)² = (E1 / E2) * 2/167. The conservation of linear momentum is applied, resulting in the equation v1 / v2 = (p1 / p2) * (234 / 4), which confirms the solution with a final ratio of 58.5.

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Homework Statement


The problem is at
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/175564/physicsSpeedParticles.JPG

Homework Equations


The following equations may be useful
E = .5 mc^2
E = Bev

The Attempt at a Solution



The right answer is (a).
However, I am unsure how it is obtained.

For example, by comparing the energies of the two particles, we get only
(v1 / v2)^2 = (E1 / E2) * 2/167

where the energies are unknown.
 
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Consider the conservation of linear momentum.
 
rl.bhat said:
Consider the conservation of linear momentum.

I get the following equation
v1 / v2 = (p1 / p2) * (234 / 4)

I assume that the momentum of the alpha particle equals that of the original particle.

This gives us the right answer

v1 / v2 = (234 / 4)
= 58.5

Thank you for your answer!
 

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