Possible for electrons to escape this speed limit.

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of electron speeds exceeding the speed of light and whether it is a common mistake or a real possibility. The speakers conclude that it is a mistake, likely due to authors creating unrealistic problems without considering the limitations of Newtonian physics. They also mention finding mistakes in a specific physics book and the differences between using it for high school students versus scientists and engineers. One speaker asks the other about their major in college.
  • #1
Ebolamonk3y
180
0
I seen times in general physics book for sections with problems concerning the electron that their speeds in some answers come above that of speed of light... I wonder if this is a common recurring mistake or if it is possible for electrons to escape this speed limit.
 
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  • #2
It's a mistake, of course. It most likely comes from authors (or their minions) making up problems from thin air without doing a reality check. Blindly using Newtonian physics outside of its range of applicability can produce some silly results.
 
  • #3
:) Those graduate students! I swear... If you have used the Giancoli Physics for Advance Highschool students you will find TONS of mistakes in there... :(
 
  • #4
yeah we use Giancoli for scientists and engineers and there arent as many mistakes in here
 
  • #5
Heh... that's good!
 
  • #6
Hey ebola what are you majoring in btw?
 

1. Can electrons really reach a maximum speed limit?

Yes, according to Einstein's theory of relativity, there is a maximum speed limit in the universe known as the speed of light, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second. This applies to all particles, including electrons.

2. What happens if an electron exceeds the speed of light?

It is not possible for an electron, or any other particle, to exceed the speed of light. As an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases infinitely and it would require an infinite amount of energy to accelerate it further.

3. How is the speed of an electron measured?

The speed of an electron is measured using various techniques, such as particle accelerators or high-speed cameras. In these experiments, the velocity of the electron is calculated by measuring its displacement over a known time interval.

4. Can the speed of an electron be controlled?

Yes, the speed of an electron can be controlled using electric and magnetic fields. These fields can accelerate or decelerate the electron, allowing for precise control of its speed.

5. Is there a minimum speed for electrons?

Yes, according to quantum mechanics, there is a minimum energy level for electrons known as the zero-point energy. This corresponds to a minimum speed for the electron, but it is still significantly lower than the speed of light.

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