What Is the Internal Energy of an Electron Moving at 0.750c0?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the internal energy of an electron moving at 0.750c in the Earth's reference frame. Participants clarify that "internal energy" may refer to rest energy, kinetic energy, or total energy, with formulas provided for each. The correct approach involves using the total energy formula, E_T = mc^2 / sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2), rather than simply applying E = mc^2. Confusion arises over the term "intrinsic" energy, as it typically refers to the rest energy of the particle, which is simply mc^2. The conversation highlights the importance of terminology in physics problems.
Barry Melby
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Homework Statement


What is the internal energy of an electron moving at 0.750c0 in the Earth reference frame?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


E = mc^2
E = (9.11 * 10^-31)(.750)(3*10^8)

However, this appears incorrect. What have I done wrong or what am i missing?
 
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What do you mean "internal" energy? It's just one particle, so the options are "rest energy", "kinetic energy" and "total energy".
If m is the mass of an electron, c is light speed, and v is the speed of the electron, then:

Rest energy is E=mc^2
Total energy is E_T = \frac{mc^2}{ \sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}
Kinetic energy is KE = E_T - E
 
I ran into this post trying to solve a question from Pearson's Principles and Practices of Physics (by Mazur). The question is looking for the "intrinsic" energy: the energy of the particle when it appears at rest; i.e. ##mc ^ 2##. I don't know why they use the wrong term or why they mention the speed of the particle.
 
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