An unknown particle in an accelerator moving at a speed of 2.00 x 10⁸ m/s has a measured total energy of 1.80 x 10^-9 J.What is its mass? (c = 3.00 x 10⁸ m/s) A)0.650 x 10^-26 kg B)0.810 x 10^-26 kg C)1.01 x 10^-26 kg D)1.49 x 10^-26 kg

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We can apply Einstein's famous equation:
E = mc^2
where E is the total energy of the particle, m is the mass of the particle, and c is the speed of light in a vacuum. Rearranging, we get:
m = E/c^2
Plugging in the given values:
m = (1.80 x 10^-9 J)/(3.00 x 10^8 m/s)^2
m = 1.49 x 10^-26 kg
Therefore, the best choice is D.

An Unknown Particle in an Accelerator Moving at a Speed