Physics Department Physics 8.20 Introduction to Special Relativity
IAP 2003 January 17, 2003
Assignment 3 A correction Due January 24, 2003
Problem Set 3 A correction
18. Non-relativistic limit
The correct relativistic formula for the energy of a particle of rest mass m and speed v is, of course, E(v) = m(v)c2 . (a) Expand E(v) to order v 4 . Identify the rst correction to the usual non-relativistic formula for the kinetic energy, T = 12 mv 2 . (b) How large is the correction of part a) for the Earth relative to the Sun? Express your answer as a fraction of the Earths rest mass. You will need the Earths mass and its orbital speed to complete this estimate. (c) How large a percentage error did you make by using the approximation of part a) instead of the exact result in the case of the Earths motion around the Sun?
Quantum Physics for Beginners: Simple Illustrated Guide to Discover with Practical Explanations the Paradoxes of the Life and Universe Reconsidering Reality