Is distance traveled proportional to relativistic momentum?

In summary, the conversation discusses calculating the distance traveled in the xy plane and in the z direction for a particle traveling in a particle detector. The Homework Equations section provides the formula for momentum and the Attempt at a Solution section presents a proposed solution using a proportionality constant. The direction of motion is determined by the momentum vector and the rest of the calculations follow from basic geometry.
  • #1
JuliusCSquared
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Homework Statement


Hi I've been modelling a particle traveling in a particle detector that has a momentum vector Px, Py, Pz which we've conveniently been using Pperpendicular (i.e. in the xy plane) and Pz.

I can calculate the distance traveled in the xy plane and I need to calculate the distance traveled in the z direction.

Homework Equations


[/B]
Knowing that

[tex]\vec{p}=\frac{m\vec{v}}{\sqrt{1-\vec{v}^2/c^2}}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



My guess was Momentum is proportional to the distance traveled which I can convince myself of in the case of classical momentum but knowing the momentum of this particle is of the order GeV/c I'm unsure whether I can actually do this? My assumption comes from being able to do this,

[tex]\vec{d}=\frac{m \Delta t}{\sqrt{1-\vec{v}^2/c^2}}\vec{v}[/tex]

where I assumed there was a proportionality constant k such that

[tex]p_\perp = k d_\perp[/tex]
[tex]p_z = k d_z[/tex]

Therefore

[tex]d_z=\frac{p_z}{p_\perp}d_\perp[/tex]

But I'm unsure if I can just throw in the gamma factor and the time interval into that constant k such that these equations are valid. Would this be correct or would I have to do it another way?
 
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  • #2
The direction of motion is the direction of the momentum vector. Everything else follows from basic geometry.
 

Related to Is distance traveled proportional to relativistic momentum?

1. What is relativistic momentum?

Relativistic momentum is a concept in physics that takes into account the effects of special relativity, which is the theory of how objects move at high speeds. It is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity, and is represented by the symbol p.

2. How is relativistic momentum different from classical momentum?

Relativistic momentum differs from classical momentum in that it takes into account the fact that an object's mass increases as its velocity approaches the speed of light. This means that as an object's speed increases, its relativistic momentum will also increase, while its classical momentum would remain constant.

3. Is relativistic momentum conserved?

Yes, just like classical momentum, relativistic momentum is also conserved. This means that in a closed system, the total relativistic momentum before and after an interaction between objects will remain the same.

4. Why is it important to consider relativistic momentum?

Relativistic momentum is important because it helps us understand the behavior of objects at high speeds, such as those approaching the speed of light. It also plays a crucial role in theories such as Einstein's theory of general relativity and has practical applications in fields like particle physics and astrophysics.

5. How is distance traveled related to relativistic momentum?

The distance traveled by an object is not directly proportional to its relativistic momentum. However, the rate at which an object's distance increases is directly proportional to its relativistic momentum. This means that the higher an object's relativistic momentum, the faster it will travel and cover a larger distance in a given amount of time.

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