Find velocity after 2 C 2{ C} seconds?

An object of mass 1 kg 1\text{ kg} is acted by a constant force of 1 N 1\text{ N} throughout its motion. If it starts from rest.Find its velocity after 2 C 2 \text{ C} seconds? Consider Lorentz factor if necessary.

Take C C as the speed of light.

2 C 2C 2 C 5 \frac{2C}5 C C C 2 \frac C2 2 C 5 \frac{2C}{\sqrt5} C 2 \frac{C}{\sqrt2} 4 C 5 \frac{4C}5

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2 solutions

Peter Macgregor
Jun 3, 2016

Let's start from the equation

d p d t = F \frac{dp}{dt}=F

where p is the momentum of a particle experiencing a force F. If the force is constant, and the initial momentum is zero, this is easily integrated to give

p = F t p=Ft

We now substitute the relativistic form for the momentum to get

m u 1 u 2 c 2 = F t \frac{mu}{\sqrt{1-\frac{u^2}{c^2}}}=Ft

It is not too hard to solve this for the speed u by first squaring both sides and solving for u 2 u^2 . Then

u = F t 1 m 2 + F 2 t 2 c 2 u=Ft\sqrt{\frac{1}{m^2+\frac{F^2t^2}{c^2}}}\dots*

Finally substitute in the values for this problem to get

u = 2 c 1 1 + 4 c 2 c 2 = 2 c 5 u=2c\sqrt{\frac{1}{1+\frac{4c^2}{c^2}}}=\frac{2c}{\sqrt{5}}

*NOTE. The second term in the denominator of this equation contributes the relativistic effects. It becomes significant for large values of t, when the force has been acting long enough to produce relativistic velocities. If you let t tend to infinity in * the second term dominates the denominator and u c u \rightarrow c , consistent with c being a universal speed limit. On the other hand for small values of t the second term can be neglected and * reduces to the Newtonian solution u = F t m u=\frac{Ft}{m}

Nice explanation ,+1!

Rishabh Tiwari - 5 years ago

That's a LOT of acceleration. I just picked the answer that was closest to, but less than, C

Terry Smith - 4 years, 11 months ago
Sanath Balaji
May 31, 2016

Correct me if I am Wrong.

I don't disagree with the solution, but I wonder how the question fall under classical mechanics since the solution clearly deals with relativistic mechanics. Aren't the two different?

Jordan Miller - 5 years ago

I don't see any reason why you are doing in this way!!! It is 2C seconds not velocity. So the lorentz factor is not acceptable in this case. If you do it like that way is a complete stupidity. The answer is 2C.

Pushan Paul - 5 years ago

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The Lorentz factor will kick in when the speed gets bigger. If the answer is 2C, then the velocity must have been close to C, and therefore the Lorentz factor becomes important.

But I agree with Jordan Miller, you need to state that we need to use special relativity as its not clear in the question.

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Didn't you see the question? Here C represents time means only the value which is 6E8 seconds not the speed damn it.

Pushan Paul - 5 years ago

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@Pushan Paul No need to be rude. The question is asking for a speed, so C represents indeed 3 x 10^8. (Although it is not clear...) and the speed you claim is the answer is 6 x 10^8. Which, from a relativistic point of view, is wrong.

Even I also got the answer as 2C Using V = u + at

Vinay Kumar - 5 years ago

How can you use relativistic concept from starting. No doubt the concept will be used, but after some time. Initially newtons mechanics will be used, then after such a condition will arise where your concept will be used.

Akash Shukla - 5 years ago

You need not think about it nothing is speeder than light answer is C

Vishesh Tayal - 5 years ago

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