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rlc
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Homework Statement
Find the speed parameter β and Lorentz factor γ for an electron that has a kinetic energy of:
a) 6.00 keV
b) 2.00 MeV
c) 4.00 GeV
Homework Equations
KE=(γ-1)*511 KeV
SQRT(1/(1-β^2))=γ
The Attempt at a Solution
a) 6 KeV=(y-1)*511
y=1.0117
1.0117=SQRT(1/(1-β^2))
β=0.152
b) 2 MeV=(y-1)*0.511
y=4.91
4.91=SQRT(1/(1-β^2))
β=0.979
c) 4000 MeV=(y-1)*0.511
y=7828
My issue with this problem is I can't figure out how to calculate β. I was able to calculate the other betas by guessing and checking what beta was...I don't know how to simplify the equation to make solving for beta easier.
I can't use this method for this particular problem because y is so large. If someone could point out to me where my issue is, and how to go about getting around this problem, I would be very thankful.