Situation
A proton (rest energy = 938 MeV) has a speed of 0.80 c.
-In Situation above, the ratio of the kinetic energy of the proton to its rest energy is closest to:
A) 0.60
B) 0.67
C) 0.80
D) 1.2
E) 1.7

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relativistic kinetic energy (KE) is given by KE = (γ - 1)mc², where γ = 1/√(1-v²/c²). For v = 0.80c, γ ≈ 1.67. Thus, KE ≈ (1.67 - 1) * 938 MeV = 627 MeV. The ratio of KE to rest energy is 627 MeV / 938 MeV ≈ 0.67.

Situation A Proton (Rest Energy = 938 MeV) Has a Speed