What Speed Makes Kinetic Energy Equal n Times Rest Energy?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the speed at which the kinetic energy of a particle equals n times its rest energy, within the context of relativistic physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants present equations related to relativistic kinetic energy and discuss the relationship between kinetic energy and rest energy. There are attempts to derive expressions for speed based on these relationships. Questions are raised regarding the correctness of the equations used and whether alternative solutions exist.

Discussion Status

Some participants express uncertainty about the equations and seek clarification on the expression for relativistic kinetic energy. Others confirm the correctness of the derived expressions, indicating a mix of validation and inquiry without reaching a definitive consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants question the assumptions behind the equations used and the validity of the relationships derived, indicating a focus on understanding the underlying principles rather than simply solving for speed.

Pual Black
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Homework Statement


At what speed the kinetic energy of particle equal n times it's rest energy

Homework Equations


i use this equation
##T=(\gamma - 1)m_{0}c^{2} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


##T=n(m_{0}c^{2})##

##n=\gamma -1##

##\gamma =n+1##

##\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}}}=n+1##

##\frac{1}{1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}}=n^{2}+2n+1##

##\frac{1}{n^{2}+2n+1}=1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}##

##\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}=1-\frac{1}{n^{2}+2n+1}##

##\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}=\frac{n^{2}+2n+1-1}{n^{2}+2n+1}##

##v=\sqrt{\frac{n^{2}+2n}{n^{2}+2n+1}} ~~ c##

this is what i get.
Is that correct? isn't there
other solution?
 
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Pual Black said:

Homework Statement


At what speed the kinetic energy of particle equal n times it's rest energy

Homework Equations


i use this equation
##T=(\gamma - 1)m_{0}c^{2} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


##T=n(m_{0}c^{2})##

##n=\gamma -1##

##\gamma =n+1##

##\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}}}=n+1##

##\frac{1}{1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}}=n^{2}+2n+1##

##\frac{1}{n^{2}+2n+1}=1-\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}##

##\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}=1-\frac{1}{n^{2}+2n+1}##

##\frac{v^{2}}{c^{2}}=\frac{n^{2}+2n+1-1}{n^{2}+2n+1}##

##v=\sqrt{\frac{n^{2}+2n}{n^{2}+2n+1}} ~~ c##

this is what i get.
Is that correct? isn't there
other solution?
pl. check again the relations;
what is the the expression for relativistic kinetic energy?
 
drvrm said:
pl. check again the relations;
what is the the expression for relativistic kinetic energy?

Is there something strange with ##T=(\gamma - 1)m_{0}c^{2} ##? At least it is consistent with the classical kinetic energy for small velocities.
 
drvrm said:
pl. check again the relations;
what is the the expression for relativistic kinetic energy?

I checked it and it is correct
Or i can write it in this form
##E_{k} = \frac{m_{0}c^{2}}{\sqrt{1 - (v/c)^{2})}} - m_{0}c^{2}##
 
Pual Black said:
##v=\sqrt{\frac{n^{2}+2n}{n^{2}+2n+1}} ~~c##

this is what i get.
Is that correct?
It is correct.
 
Ok. Thank you all for your help
 

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