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QPage 457: Q5: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 The Special Theory of Relativity Page 457: Q5 Solution: If the speed of a particle moving at a relativistic speed is…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students often apply the classical formula $p=mv$ and assume doubling the speed simply doubles momentum; in relativity $p=\gamma m v$ with $\gamma=1/\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}$, and $\gamma$ itself increases when $v$ is doubled, so the momentum grows by more than a factor of two. Always include the Lorentz factor when handling high‑speed particles.

If the speed of a particle moving at a relativistic speed is doubled, its linear momentum will ___________.

Multiple Choice Options

  • A become double
  • B become more than double
  • C remain equal
  • D become less than double

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (b) become more than double. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** Relativistic momentum p = _m_v. Doubling v increases _ as well, so p more than doubles.

All Questions in this Chapter

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