In a particle accelerator, you accelerate an electron. Afterwards, you measure it's energy to be 350 keV. Tell my why you can't find the speed from this energy using your knowledge of classical mechanics.

In order to see what the problem is, I will attempt to find this speed. 350keV=5.6110-14 J Ek=1/2 * mv2 =>  v=sqrt(2Ek/m) By plugging in numbers, we find that the velocity of the electron, v=3.51108. This velocity is bigger then the speed of light c=3108, and it is a known fact that nothing can travel faster than light. This means that relativistic effects must've taken place, which prevented the particle from reaching the speed of light, but allowed it to have such a high energy.

CP
Answered by Cezar P. Physics tutor

2283 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the first stages of the life cycle of a star before it reaches the main sequence.


Electrons are accelerated through a potential difference of 300 V. What is their final de Broglie wavelength?


A light wave with wavelength 590nm shines upon a metal and causes it to emit an electron with a speed of 5x10^5 m/s. What is the work function of the metal?


How do you work out the work out the current through resistors in parallel?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning