Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 35 - Think and Explain - Page 684-685: 77

Answer

The momentum of the rocket ship is 2mv, twice the classical value of mv.

Work Step by Step

If its measured length is half its normal length, its speed must be 0.866c, so that $\gamma = 2$. It is contracted along its direction of motion by a factor of two. The relativistic formula for momentum, $p = \gamma mv$, is greater than the classical formula $p = mv$.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.