The rest energy E0 and the total energy E of three particles, expressed in terms of a basic amount of energy E′ = 5.98 × 10-10 J, are listed in the table. The speeds of these particles are large, in some cases approaching the speed of light.

Concepts:

(i) Given the rest energies specified in the table, what is the ranking (largest first) of the masses of the particles?

(ii) Is the kinetic energy KE given by the expression KE = 1/2mv2, and what is the ranking (largest first) of the kinetic energies of the particles?

Calculations:

For each particle, determine its

(a) Mass

(b) Kinetic energy.

Particle Rest Energy Total Energy

a......................E'.......................2E'

b......................E'.......................4E'

c......................5E'......................6E'

There are many astonishing consequences of special relativity, two of which are time dilation and length contraction. Problem 50 reviews these important concepts in the context of a golf game in a hypothetical world where the speed of light is only a little faster than that of a golf cart. Other important consequences of special relativity are the equivalence of mass and energy, and the dependence of kinetic energy on the total energy and on the rest energy. Problem 51 serves as a review of the roles played by mass and energy in special relativity.