How Is the Momentum of an Electron Calculated at 0.8c?

In summary, the magnitude of the momentum of an electron traveling at 0.8c can be calculated using the relativistic definition of momentum, which is m0v/√(1-v2/c2), where m0 is the rest mass of the electron. This is in contrast to the classical approximation of p=mv, which is only accurate for low speeds.
  • #1
pkc111
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Homework Statement


What is the magnitude of the momentum (in kgm/s) of an electron traveling at 0.8c

Homework Equations


p = mv

The Attempt at a Solution


see photo. I said A but the answers said B.
 

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  • #2
pkc111 said:

Homework Statement


What is the magnitude of the momentum (in kgm/s) of an electron traveling at 0.8c

Homework Equations


p = mv
p=mv is the classical approximatation accurate only for low speeds.

80% light speed is certainly not a low speed!

What is the relativistic definition of momentum?
 
  • #3
Thank you!
 
  • #4
pkc111 said:
What is the magnitude of the momentum (in kgm/s) of an electron traveling at 0.8c
it should be m0v/√(1-v2/c2),
m0 being the rest mass of the electron.
 
Last edited:

Related to How Is the Momentum of an Electron Calculated at 0.8c?

1. What is the momentum of an electron?

The momentum of an electron is a measure of its motion and is defined as the product of its mass and velocity. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. How is the momentum of an electron calculated?

The momentum of an electron can be calculated using the formula p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. The units for momentum are kg*m/s.

3. What is the relationship between momentum and velocity for an electron?

The momentum and velocity of an electron are directly proportional. This means that if the velocity of an electron increases, its momentum will also increase.

4. How does the momentum of an electron change in different environments?

The momentum of an electron can change in different environments due to interactions with other particles or fields. For example, in a magnetic field, the momentum of an electron may change due to the force exerted on it by the field.

5. Why is the momentum of an electron important in physics?

The momentum of an electron is important in physics because it is a fundamental property of matter and is used to describe the motion and behavior of electrons in various systems. It is also a crucial concept in quantum mechanics and is used to understand the behavior of particles on a subatomic level.

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