A particle is moving with a certain speed. Its speed and momentum are being measured with respect to Earth. When the particle's speed doubles, the momentum increases by a factor of 4. What was the original speed of the particle?
A) 0.447c
B) 0.488c
C) 0.523c
D) 0.648c
E) 0.800c

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relationship between momentum and speed in relativistic physics is given by p = γmv, where γ is the Lorentz factor. When the speed doubles, the momentum increases by a factor of 4, indicating relativistic effects. Solving for the original speed using the given condition leads to approximately 0.447c.

A Particle Is Moving with a Certain Speed