What is the speed of one electron relative to the other?

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SUMMARY

The speed of one electron relative to another, when both are ejected from a source at a velocity of 0.8c in opposite directions, is calculated using the velocity addition formula. The relative velocity is determined by the equation 0.8c - (-0.8c), resulting in a relative speed of 1.6c. This calculation illustrates the significant energy and momentum associated with high-velocity electrons, emphasizing the implications of relativistic physics.

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  • Understanding of special relativity concepts
  • Familiarity with the velocity addition formula in relativistic physics
  • Basic knowledge of electron dynamics
  • Concept of light speed (c) in physics
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Physicists, students of physics, and anyone interested in the principles of special relativity and particle dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

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Two electrons are ejected from the source with a velocity of 0.8c and move in the diametrically opposite direction. Find the speed of one electron with respect to the other.
 
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so use the velocity addition equation, right?
 


The speed of one electron with respect to the other can be found by using the formula for relative velocity, which states that the relative velocity of an object with respect to another object is equal to the difference in their individual velocities. In this case, one electron has a velocity of 0.8c, and the other has a velocity of -0.8c (since they are moving in opposite directions). Therefore, the relative velocity of one electron with respect to the other is 0.8c - (-0.8c) = 1.6c. This means that one electron is moving at a speed of 1.6 times the speed of light with respect to the other electron. This is a very high speed and shows the incredible energy and momentum of these ejected electrons.
 

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