Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsThe Special Theory of Relativity
Which of the quantities listed below concerning an electron possesses a finite upper limit?
Options
- AKinetic energy
- BSpeed
- CMomentum
- DMass
Correct answer
B. Speed
Step-by-step solution
According to the special theory of relativity, no material particle can travel at or faster than the speed of light in a vacuum, c . Therefore, the speed of an electron has a finite upper limit, v The relativistic mass of an electron is given by m = m₀ 1 - v^2 c^2 . As v c , m . Thus, mass does not have a finite upper limit. The momentum is p = mv . As m and v c , p . Thus, momentum does not have a finite upper limit. The kinetic energy is K = (m - m₀)c^2 . As m , K . Thus, kinetic energy does not have a finite upp