183_notes:examples:momentumfast

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Example: Calculating the momentum of a fast-moving object

An electron is observed to be moving with a velocity of 2.05e7,6.02e7,0ms. Determine the momentum of this electron.

You need to compute the momentum of this electron using the information provided and any information that you can collect or assume.

Facts

  • An electron is in motion
  • It has a velocity of 2.05e7,6.02e7,0ms.
  • This velocity is near the speed of light (c=3.00e8ms).

Lacking

  • The mass of the electron is not given, but can be found online (me=9.11e31kg).

Approximations & Assumptions

  • The electron does not experience any interactions, so its velocity will remain unchanged.

Representations

  • The momentum of the electron is given by p=γmv where γ=11(|v|c)2.
  • 183_notes/examples/momentumfast.1405000994.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2014/07/10 14:03
  • by caballero