Why relativistic momentum equals the following?

In summary, relativistic momentum is a concept in physics that takes into account the effects of special relativity on the momentum of an object moving at high speeds. It is directly proportional to the object's mass and velocity, and its formula is derived from Einstein's famous equation, E=mc². This concept is important in understanding the behavior of objects at high speeds and in the development of theories like special relativity and quantum mechanics.
  • #1
Foruer
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In a solution to a problem we were given, it is written that a positron momentum with energy of 2mc2
(where γ=2) is √(γ2-1)*mc = √(4-1)*mc = √3*mc

How did they get that P=√(γ2-1)*mc?
 
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  • #2
You are familiar with p = ϒmv right?
And also with ϒ = 1/√(1-(v/c)2) right?

Eliminate v from the two equations and what do you get?
 
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  • #3
What I get is the answer ?:) thank you :wink:
 
  • #4
While it gives you the right answer, it is much simpler to use the energy-momentum relation ##E^2 - p^2 c^2 = m^2 c^4## and just solve for ##p##.
 
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Related to Why relativistic momentum equals the following?

1. What is relativistic momentum?

Relativistic momentum is a concept in physics that describes the momentum of an object moving at speeds close to the speed of light. It takes into account the effects of special relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction, on the momentum of an object.

2. Why does relativistic momentum equal the mass times the velocity?

According to Einstein's theory of special relativity, the momentum of an object is directly proportional to its mass and velocity. This means that as an object's speed increases, its momentum also increases proportionally to its mass.

3. How is relativistic momentum different from classical momentum?

Relativistic momentum takes into account the effects of special relativity on an object's momentum, while classical momentum only considers the object's mass and velocity. As an object's speed approaches the speed of light, the difference between relativistic and classical momentum becomes more significant.

4. What is the formula for calculating relativistic momentum?

The formula for calculating relativistic momentum is p = mv/√(1-(v/c)^2), where p is momentum, m is mass, v is velocity, and c is the speed of light. This formula is derived from Einstein's famous equation, E=mc², which relates energy, mass, and the speed of light.

5. Why is relativistic momentum important in physics?

Relativistic momentum is important because it helps us understand the behavior of objects moving at high speeds, such as particles in particle accelerators or spacecraft traveling near the speed of light. It also plays a crucial role in the development of theories like special relativity and quantum mechanics.

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