How Do You Calculate the Momentum of a Proton in MeV/c?

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In summary, the electron-volt (eV) is a unit of energy that is equivalent to 1.602 x 10^-19 joules. Nuclear physicists typically use MeV/c as the unit of momentum for nuclei, where c is the speed of light. In these units, the mass of a proton is 938.3 MeV/c^2. To find the momentum of a proton in units of MeV/c, we can use the equation p = mv, where m is the mass of the proton and v is its velocity. Since the proton is moving at 18,646 km/s, we can convert its velocity to meters per second and then
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J.live
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The electron-volt, eV, is a unit of energy (1 eV = 1.602 10^-19 J, 1 MeV = 1.602 x 10^-13 J). Since the unit of momentum is an energy unit divided by a velocity unit, nuclear physicists usually specify momenta of nuclei in units of MeV/c, where c is the speed of light (c = 2.998 108 m/s). In the same units, the mass of a proton (1.673 · 10^−27 kg) is given as 938.3 MeV/c2. If a proton moves with a speed of 18,646 km/s, what is its momentum in units of MeV/c?
The attempt at a solution

I know the rule of the forum is I have to attempt the problem before someone can help me. But, honestly I don't know how to initiate this problem. I have tried but failed.

It will be appreciated if someone can at least show me the procedure if not the answer.
 
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  • #2
What are the units of pc, where p is the momentum of the proton?
 
  • #3
What is pc? I don't see any pc in the given problem :/
 
  • #4
bump :/
 
  • #5
J.live said:
What is pc? I don't see any pc in the given problem :/

There is a pc in the problem, you just don't see it yet. Determine the units of this quantity and you should have a strong hint about how to get the answer you're looking for.
 
  • #6
Hint: 1 MeV/c = 1.602x10-13 J/(3x108 m/s)
 

FAQ: How Do You Calculate the Momentum of a Proton in MeV/c?

What is a physics conversion problem?

A physics conversion problem is a mathematical calculation that involves converting a measurement from one unit to another. This is commonly used in the field of physics to convert between units of measurement such as meters to feet or kilograms to pounds.

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Physics conversion problems are important because they allow us to communicate measurements in a universal way. By converting measurements to a standard unit, we can compare values and make accurate predictions in various experiments and real-world applications.

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