Question: To learn to calculate energy and momentum for relativistic particles and to find relations among a particle's energy, momentum, and mass.
The first postulate of relativity states that all laws of physics are the same in every inertial frame of reference. Consequently, fundamental laws such as the conservation of momentum and the conservation of energy must also be valid in every inertial frame of reference. This required the introduction of new definitions of momentum and energy.
Consider a particle whose mass at rest is m. When the particle moves with velocity v? , its relativistic momentum p? and energy E are given by p? =mv? 1?v2c2? and E=mc21?v2c2?.
Moreover, the relativistic kinetic energy of the particle is given by K=E?mc2. The quantity mc2 is called rest energy and represents the energy of the particle associated with its mass.
Part A: A meteorite of mass 1500kg moves with a speed of 0.700c . Find the magnitude of its momentum p.
Part C: What is the total energy E of the meteorite?
Part D: What would the energy of the meteorite be if it were at rest?
Part E: What is the relativistic kinetic energy K of the meteorite when it travels at 0.700c ?