College Physics (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32160-183-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32160-183-4

Chapter 30 - Nuclear Reactions and Elementary Particles - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Conceptual Questions - Page 1030: 23

Answer

The total energy E of a particle is the sum of its rest energy $E_{0}$ and its kinetic energy $K$. At very high energies, the kinetic energy is so much greater than the rest energy, that the particle may behave as if it has no rest energy. So, $E\approx K$. This is just like a photon, which has no rest energy because it is massless.

Work Step by Step

The total energy E of a particle is the sum of its rest energy $E_{0}$ and its kinetic energy $K$. At very high energies, the kinetic energy is so much greater than the rest energy, that the particle may behave as if it has no rest energy. So, $E\approx K$. This is just like a photon, which has no rest energy because it is massless.
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