An unstable particle with mass m = 3.34 × 10−27 kg is initially at rest. The particle decays into two fragments that fly off along the x axis with velocity components u1 = 0.987c and u2 = −0.868c. From this information, we wish to determine the masses of fragments 1 and 2. (a) Is the initial system of the unstable particle, which becomes the system of the two fragments, isolated or nonisolated? (b) Based on your answer to part (a), what two analysis models are appropriate for this situation? (c) Find the values of γ for the two fragments after the decay. (d) Using one of the analysis models in part (b), find a relationship between the masses m1 and m2 of the fragments. (e) Using the second analysis model in part (b). find a second relationship between the masses m1 and m2. (f) Solve the relationships in parts (d) and (c) simultaneously for the masses m1 and m2.
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Chapter 38 Solutions
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
- Spacecraft I, containing students taking a physics exam, approaches the Earth with a speed of 0.600c (relative to the Earth), while spacecraft II, containing professors proctoring the exam, moves at 0.280c (relative to the Earth) directly toward the students. If the professors stop the exam after 50.0 min have passed on their clock, for what time interval does the exam last as measured by (a) the students and (b) an observer on the Earth?arrow_forwardTwo powerless rockets are on a collision course. The rockets are moving with speeds of 0.800c and 0.600c and are initially 2.52 × 1012 m apart as measured by Liz, an Earth observer, as shown in Figure P1.34. Both rockets are 50.0 m in length as measured by Liz. (a) What are their respective proper lengths? (b) What is the length of each rocket as measured by an observer in the other rocket? (c) According to Liz, how long before the rockets collide? (d) According to rocket 1, how long before they collide? (e) According to rocket 2, how long before they collide? (f) If both rocket crews are capable of total evacuation within 90 min (their own time), will there be any casualties? Figure P1.34arrow_forwardOwen and Dina are at rest in frame S, which is moving at 0.600c with respect to frame S. They play a game of catch while Ed, at rest in frame S, watches the action (Fig. P9.63). Owen throws the ball to Dina at 0.800c (according to Owen), and their separation (measured in S) is equal to 1.80 1012 m. (a) According to Dina, how fast is the ball moving? (b) According to Dina, what time interval is required for the ball to reach her? According to Ed, (c) how far apart are Owen and Dina, (d) how fast is the ball moving, and (e) what time interval is required for the ball to reach Dina? Figure P9.63arrow_forward
- An observer in a coasting spacecraft moves toward a mirror at speed v relative to the reference frame labeled S in Figure P39.85. The mirror is stationary with respect to S. A light pulse emitted by the spacecraft travels toward the mirror and is reflected back to the spacecraft. The spacecraft is a distance d from the mirror (as measured by observers in S) at the moment the light pulse leaves the spacecraft. What is the total travel time of the pulse as measured by observers in (a) the S frame and (b) the spacecraft?arrow_forwardAs measured by observers in a reference frame S, a particle having charge q moves with velocity v in a magnetic field B and an electric field E. The resulting force on the particle is then measured to be F = q(E + v × B). Another observer moves along with the charged particle and measures its charge to be q also but measures the electric field to be E′. If both observers are to measure the same force, F, show that E′ = E + v × B.arrow_forwardConsider an electron moving with speed 0.980c. a. What is the rest mass energy of this electron? b. What is the total energyof this electron? c. What is the kinetic energy of this electron?arrow_forward
- According to special relativity, a particle of rest mass m0 accelerated in one dimension by a force F obeys the equation of motion dp/dt = F. Here p = m0v/(1 –v2/c2)1/2 is the relativistic momentum, which reduces to m0v for v2/c2 << 1. (a) For the case of constant F and initial conditions x(0) = 0 = v(0), find x(t) and v(t). (b) Sketch your result for v(t). (c) Suppose that F/m0 = 10 m/s2 ( ≈ g on Earth). How much time is required for the particle to reach half the speed of light and of 99% the speed of light?arrow_forwardA box is cubical with sides of proper lengths L1 = L2 = L3, as shown in Figure P26.14, when viewed in its own rest frame. If this block moves parallel to one of its edges with a speed of 0.80c past an observer, (a) what shape does it appear to have to this observer? (b) What is the length of each side as measured by the observer? Figure P26.14arrow_forward
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