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The laboratory is the parent's rest frame. In this relativistic two-body decay, conservation of momentum gives equal and opposite daughter momenta, of magnitude $p$. Their total relativistic energies satisfySubtracting the relativistic energy-momentum relations eliminates $p$:Solving the two linear equations givesSince three-momentum obeys $p{c}^2=Ev$, the daughter speeds areTheir directions are opposite; the initial state does not specify their common axis. The kinetic energies are $K_1=5m{c}^2/8$ and $K_2=3m{c}^2/8$. Their sum $m{c}^2$ is the loss of rest energy when the total daughter rest mass is $3m$ instead of $4m$.

The proper mean lifetime ${\tau }_0$ is the mean lifetime measured in the unstable particle's own rest frame, or equivalently the mean elapsed proper time before decay. In the exponential decay model, its survival probability to proper time $\tau$ is $e^{-\tau /{\tau }_0}$. For the daughter of rest mass $m$, the Lorentz factor is ${\gamma }_1=E_1/(m{c}^2)=13/8$, so time dilation gives a laboratory mean lifetime of ${\gamma }_1{\tau }_0=3.25\mu \mathrm{s}$.

At constant speed $v_1$, travelling a distance $L$ requires laboratory time $L/v_1$ and proper time $L/({\gamma }_1{v}_1)$. Its mean decay length isfor ${\tau }_0=2\times 10^{-6}\mathrm{s}$. HenceThe mean lifetime sets the scale of an exponential distribution; it is not a fixed deadline, so travelling beyond one mean decay length has a nonzero probability.

Take downward distance $s$ and downward speed $v=ds/dt\ge 0$, with constant gravitational acceleration $g>0$ and quadratic drag coefficient $k>0$. The printed vector square has no standard vector meaning; the directionally consistent drag force is ${\mathbf{F}}_d=-mk|\mathbf{v}|\mathbf{v}$. For this downward fall, Newton's second law becomesThe terminal velocity is obtained by setting the net force to zero:From rest, the speed increases monotonically towards this limiting value. In fact $v(t)=v_{\infty }\tanh (\sqrt{gk}t)$; thus it is a supremum approached at infinite time, and a tower of finite height need not permit it to be reached.

For the required distance, use the chain rule $dv/dt=vdv/ds$. Writing $w=v^2$ gives a linear ordinary differential equation:Consequently,Here $k$ has units of inverse length, so the result has the required units of distance and is independent of the falling mass.

Orient the $x$ axis along the displacement from the earlier event to the later one, so $\Delta x=d=1000\mathrm{m}$ and $\Delta t=10^{-6}\mathrm{s}$. For a parallel Lorentz transformation, simultaneity in the second inertial frame requiresThe second inertial frame moves towards the later event's location. The positive value $d^2-c^2\Delta t^2$ establishes spacelike separation, which permits this change of simultaneity. For a general velocity $\mathbf{V}$, the condition is $\mathbf{V}\cdot \Delta \mathbf{r}=c^2\Delta t$: only its component along the separation is fixed at the displayed value, and transverse components are allowed provided $|\mathbf{V}|<c$. Thus the parallel velocity has the smallest possible speed.

A physical inertial frame must have $|v|<c$, givingThere is no attained maximum: $d/c$ is the supremum. For the concrete boundary case $\Delta t=1000\mathrm{m}/c$, the events have null separation and the formula would require $v=c$; no inertial frame can make them simultaneous.

For a satellite of mass $m$ moving in the Newtonian gravitational field of a much larger, effectively fixed mass $M$, put $\mu =GM$. Its conserved mechanical energy, with gravitational potential energy zero at infinity, isHere $r$ is the instantaneous centre-to-centre distance, $v$ the satellite's speed, $G$ the gravitational constant, and $a$ the semi-major axis of its bound elliptic orbit. The kinetic energy and potential energy vary around the orbit, while their sum remains constant. Dividing by $m$ and solving for $v$ gives the vis-viva equation, $v^2=\mu (2/r-1/a)$.

For this Hohmann transfer orbit, the periapsis and apoapsis distances are $r_1=1\mathrm{AU}$ and $r_2=1.52\mathrm{AU}$, soThe vis-viva equation gives the endpoint speedsAs a check, conservation of angular momentum at the two endpoints gives $r_1{v}_{\mathrm{p}}=r_2{v}_{\mathrm{a}}$ because each velocity is perpendicular to its radius. Using $1\mathrm{AU}=1.49598\times 10^{11}\mathrm{m}$ and $\mu =1.32712\times 10^{20}{\mathrm{m}}^3{\mathrm{s}}^{-2}$ gives $v_1=29.78\mathrm{km}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$ andThe departure impulse must increase the speed in the direction of the initial circular orbit:These are Sun-centred speeds; leaving the Earth's own gravitational field would require an additional calculation beyond this idealized solar orbit transfer.

At $r_2$, the desired circular orbit speed is $v_2=\sqrt{\mu /r_2}=24.16\mathrm{km}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$. The arrival impulse is thereforeThe required thrust on the spacecraft is forward, tangent to its orbit, to accelerate it. The rocket ejects exhaust backwards, opposite to the spacecraft's velocity; this distinguishes the direction of thrust from the direction in which the exhaust is fired.

The Hohmann transfer time is half the orbital period of the transfer ellipse. From Kepler's third law, relative to the Earth's one-year orbital period,Meanwhile Mars's orbital period is $T_M=1.52^{3/2}\mathrm{yr}=1.8740\mathrm{yr}$. The spacecraft arrives $\pi$ radians from its departure position. For a rendezvous, Mars must reach that same position after advancing through $2\pi t_H/T_M$. Thus its initial lead angle over the departing spacecraft isMars must be ahead by this angle in the common direction of motion around their orbits. At departure the spacecraft and the Earth share the inner orbital position; arrival occurs on the opposite side of the Sun.

Take $+y$ upwards in the source diagram. Write $w$ for $B$'s incoming speed, so the initial velocities areA contact-direction assumption is needed for a unique answer. The diagram specifies the incoming velocities but does not specify the contact normal or an outgoing angle. First adopt the usual intended model: the impulse is horizontal, so neither particle changes its $y$ component of velocity. This is the smooth oblique collision model with a horizontal line of centres at impact. Bringing $A$ to rest in the $x$ direction then brings it entirely to rest.

Let $b$ be $B$'s outgoing $x$ component of velocity. Conservation of momentum and conservation of kinetic energy givePut $q=(\sqrt{3}/2)w$. The second equation becomes $3u^2+q^2=(q-3u{)}^2$, so $q=u$. ThereforeThe outgoing kinetic energies areThe outgoing speed of $B$ is $u\sqrt{13/3}$, directed above the negative $x$ axis at angle ${\tan }^{-1}[1/(2\sqrt{3})]\simeq 16.1^{\circ }$. The initial kinetic energy is also $(3/2+2/3)m{u}^2=13m{u}^2/6$, as required for an elastic collision.

For the perfectly inelastic collision with these same incoming velocities, both particles share a common outgoing velocity. Conservation of momentum givesIts direction is again $16.1^{\circ }$ above the negative $x$ axis. The separate translational kinetic energies of the constituents and their total areThe loss of translational kinetic energy isThis becomes internal energy, for example deformation and heating; total energy is conserved. In the elastic collision no kinetic energy is lost and the particles separate with different velocities. In the perfectly inelastic collision relative motion disappears and the common velocity is the original centre of mass velocity.

The limitation of the printed data can be made explicit. Without the horizontal-impulse assumption, write the final velocity of $A$ as $(0,h)$. Then conservation of momentum determinesand conservation of kinetic energy gives onlyThere is a family of possibilities. For a concrete second solution, $h=u/\sqrt{3}$ givesThese velocities conserve both components of momentum and conserve kinetic energy, and they satisfy the specified vanishing $x$ component for $A$, while requiring a different incoming speed. They can arise from a smooth contact normal proportional to $(1,1/\sqrt{3})$. Thus the horizontal-impulse result is conditional, rather than uniquely implied by the printed statement. For any member of this family the corresponding sticking result remains well determined once $w$ is chosen:The last expression is the lost relative kinetic energy in a perfectly inelastic collision of these two point masses.

Invariant and collision. For a particle of rest mass $m$, special relativity gives relativistic energy and momentumTherefore the relativistic energy-momentum relation isIt is the squared Minkowski norm of the four-momentum, multiplied by $c^2$, and hence is preserved by every Lorentz transformation. Explicitly a boost with speed $U$ along $x$ gives $E^{\prime }=\Gamma (E-U{p}_x)$, $p_x^{\prime }=\Gamma (p_x-UE/c^2)$, with $p_y^{\prime }=p_y$, $p_z^{\prime }=p_z$. Expanding $E^{\prime 2}-c^2{p}_x^{\prime 2}$ gives $E^2-c^2{p}_x^2$ because ${\Gamma }^2(1-U^2/c^2)=1$. Spatial rotations preserve $p^2$, completing the invariance argument for all inertial frames.

For the incoming moving particle, $v=3c/5$ and $\gamma =5/4$. The total laboratory energy and momentum before the perfectly inelastic collision areFour-momentum conservation identifies these with the final particle's energy and momentum. Its rest mass is thereforeThe result exceeds the sum $3m_0$ of the incoming rest masses; some initial kinetic energy has become internal rest energy. Since $p{c}^2/E=v$ for a massive particle,

Two-body decay. Work first in the parent's rest frame, denoted by a star. Four-momentum conservation requires equal and opposite daughter momenta. Their equal rest masses give equal energies:Thus their rest-frame velocities are $v_{\ast \pm }=\pm 3c/\sqrt{10}$. Applying the relativistic velocity-addition formula with boost $v^{\prime }=3c/13$ gives the two laboratory velocities:Their laboratory energies follow directly from the Lorentz transformation of four-momentum:The corresponding signed laboratory momenta areTheir sums recover $E_i$ and $p_i$, and each satisfies $E_{\pm }^2-p_{\pm }^2{c}^2=(m_0{c}^2/2{)}^2$. One daughter moves forwards and the other backwards in the laboratory; both are collinear with the original flight axis. Numerically, $v_{+}\simeq 0.967615c$, $v_{-}\simeq -0.919138c$, $E_{+}\simeq 1.980756m_0{c}^2$ and $E_{-}\simeq 1.269244m_0{c}^2$.

Choose the heavier particle's outgoing velocity above the initial direction. Let its speed be $V$, and let the lighter particle have components $(v\cos \theta ,-v\sin \theta )$. Thus $\theta$ and $\varphi$ are nonnegative deflections on opposite sides. Conservation of momentum givesThe elastic collision conserves kinetic energy:Taking the squared magnitude of the vector momentum equation yieldsEliminate $v^2$ with the kinetic energy equation. For a nontrivial collision, $V\ne 0$, soSubstituting back into the two momentum components givesThereforeThe ratio alone does not determine the quadrant: for $M>m$, the lighter particle can move backwards. The two component equations select the correct $0\le \theta \le \pi$. At $m/M=\cos 2\varphi$, the outgoing direction is perpendicular to the initial direction; the displayed tangent has a pole there.

Interpret the percentage relative to the classical kinetic energy, so that $K_{\mathrm{rel}}=1.02K_{\mathrm{cl}}$. Set $\beta =v/c$ and use the Lorentz factor $\gamma =(1-{\beta }^2{)}^{-1/2}$. The relativistic kinetic energy and classical kinetic energy giveFor the positive nonzero speed, insert ${\beta }^2=1-{\gamma }^{-2}$ and cancel $\gamma -1$:It follows thatHere $m{c}^2=938\mathrm{MeV}$ is the proton's rest energy; the resulting relativistic kinetic energy is $12.479\mathrm{MeV}$. The zero-speed equality before cancellation has no meaningful percentage excess because both kinetic energies then vanish.

Powered ascent. Use upward signed velocity, constant gravitational acceleration $g=9.81\mathrm{m}{\mathrm{s}}^{-2}$, constant relative rocket exhaust speed $u=2500\mathrm{m}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$, vertical flight from rest, no drag force, and no impulse at stage separation. The constant-$g$ approximation is an explicit modelling assumption; a varying Newtonian gravitational field would require integrating a different ascent equation. Put $m_0=540000\mathrm{kg}$ and $q=2500\mathrm{kg}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$. During ascent $m(t)=m_0-qt$, and momentum balance gives the rocket equation with gravity:The launch rocket thrust $uq=6.25\times 10^6\mathrm{N}$ exceeds $m_{0}g$, so immediate lift-off is consistent. At ascent burnout the entire attached vehicle still has mass $m_b=140000\mathrm{kg}$, not $40000\mathrm{kg}$; the latter is the separated first stage. The burn duration and endpoint speed are

Coasting height. Integrating the ascent velocity from zero height givesFor example this follows by substituting $m=m_0-qt$ in ${\int }_0^t\ln [m_0/(m_0-qs)]ds$. At separation,The separated stage then undergoes free fall in a constant gravitational field with initial upward speed $v_b$. Conservation of mechanical energy during this coast givesIts smaller mass after separation does not change that coasting height.

Reserve burn. On descending to $z_i=100000\mathrm{m}$, conservation of mechanical energy gives downward speedReset time to $s=0$ at reserve ignition. Now $m_i=40000\mathrm{kg}$, $m_f=14000\mathrm{kg}$ and $q_r=26000/92\mathrm{kg}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$. Downward ejection supplies upward rocket thrust. The upward signed velocity isThus the formal free-flight burnout value iscorresponding to a formal downward speed of $2.26\mathrm{m}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$. Keeping $g=9.8\mathrm{m}{\mathrm{s}}^{-2}$ throughout instead gives $3.82\mathrm{m}{\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$ downward; premature rounding is especially damaging because three large velocity terms almost cancel.

The free-flight endpoint is below ground. Integrating the same reserve-burn velocity givesAt the stated endpoint this gives $z_r(92)=-167.27\mathrm{m}$ for $g=9.81\mathrm{m}{\mathrm{s}}^{-2}$. The surface is crossed at approximately $s=89.15\mathrm{s}$, before reserve burnout. The stage has already hit the surface, so a physical post-impact burnout speed cannot be inferred without a ground-contact model. The boxed velocity is the intended ideal continuation, not an achievable free-flight landing result under these exact assumptions. In particular, the given numbers do not describe an exact soft landing. The constant-rate retro-rocket landing must satisfy both its velocity and height conditions.

For an equal-speed elastic impact on a free rod, let $h$ be the signed distance of the impact point from the rod's center of mass, $I=m{l}^2/12$, and $\mathcal{J}$ the horizontal impulse delivered to the rod. For a smooth impact the impulse is perpendicular to the rod. If the ball's signed final velocity is $u$, the rod's center of mass velocity is $V$ and its angular velocity is $\omega$, momentum balance and angular impulse giveBoth objects have positive final translational velocities for a nonzero impact away from the centre. More explicitly, restitution in an elastic collision gives $V+\omega h-u=v_0$, and henceEqual final speeds thus require $u=V=v_0/2$. One can also see that the alternative $u=-V$ would violate $u+V=v_0$.

By conservation of kinetic energy in the elastic collision,Thus $I{\omega }^2=m{v}_0^2/2$. Since $I\omega =mVh=m{v}_{0}h/2$, elimination of $\omega$ givesEither side of the center of mass works; the nearer end is a distance $l(1/2-1/\sqrt{6})$ away. The final angular speed is $|\omega |=\sqrt{6}{v}_0/l$. These values also satisfy the restitution condition because the struck point's velocity is $V+\omega h=3v_0/2$, reversing the initial relative contact velocity.

The special relativity expression for momentum is $p=\gamma mv$, with Lorentz factor $\gamma =(1-v^2/c^2{)}^{-1/2}$. Equal speeds imply equal Lorentz factors, so the pion and proton momenta are in the ratio of their rest masses:The common dimensionless product is $\gamma v/c=p_p/(m_{p}c)=400/0.94\simeq 425.53$, giving $\gamma \simeq 425.53$ and $v/c\simeq 0.99999724$.

By time dilation, the laboratory mean lifetime is $\tau =\gamma {\tau }_0$, where ${\tau }_0=2.6\times 10^{-8}\mathrm{s}$. The exponential decay law evaluated at travel time $d/v$ gives the surviving pion fractionUse the exact product $\gamma v=(400/0.94)c$ from part (a), rather than approximating the speed separately. With $c=2.99792458\times 10^{8}m/s$,Thus about $88.6\%$ emerge without decaying, and about $11.4\%$ decay inside the pipe. This assumes the given common longitudinal speed and neglects losses from other interactions.

A circular orbit has constant $r=r_0>0$. Both its initial radial velocity and radial acceleration must vanish, givingEquivalently, the initial tangential speed and angular velocity obeyThe initial polar angle is arbitrary, and the energy is fixed at $E=V_{\mathrm{eff}}(r_0)$. Either orientation is possible. These conditions give an exact circular orbit even if it is unstable; stability requires an additional positive second derivative of the effective potential.

The diagram makes $x$ the remaining distance to the wall: $x$ decreases from $L$ to $0$. With the endpoint condition $m(0)=0$, integrating the supplied mass gradient givesAssume escaping sand has the same horizontal velocity as the bucket at release. There is then no horizontal recoil: the momentum flux of the outgoing sand cancels the $\dot{m}\dot{x}$ contribution to the bucket's momentum derivative. The variable-mass system equation is thereforeSet $u=-\dot{x}\ge 0$, the speed towards the wall. Since $\ddot{x}=udu/dx$, the initial condition $u(L)=0$ givesConsequently the remaining sand has kinetic energyIn terms of $z=x/L$, $K/(TL)=-z\ln z$. Its derivative is $-\ln z-1$ and its second derivative is $-1/z<0$, givingThe magnitude of the remaining sand's momentum isIt is easier to maximize its square, $p^2/(2MTL)=-z^2\ln z$. Its derivative is $-z(2\ln z+1)$, giving the unique interior maximumBoth kinetic energy and momentum tend to zero at $x\to 0^{+}$, even though the idealized speed diverges. There is no finite-mass bucket left at the endpoint, so that divergence signals the limit of the idealization.

The leaking bucket under constant tension has $x_K=L/e<L/\sqrt{e}=x_p$: the kinetic energy maximum is closer to the wall. As the bucket loses mass, its increasing speed continues to boost $K=pu/2$ after $p$ has begun to fall. Equivalently, $p\propto z\sqrt{-\ln z}$ and $K\propto z(-\ln z)$, so kinetic energy has the stronger dependence on the growing speed. The work $T(L-x)$ is shared between the remaining sand and the sand already lost; it is not all the bucket's instantaneous kinetic energy.

Take upward velocity as positive, and let $w>0$ be the rearward rocket exhaust speed. During $dt$, the ejected parcel has mass $-dm>0$ and laboratory velocity $v-w$ to first order. The momentum change of the rocket and this parcel equals the gravitational impulse:Discarding the second-order product $dmdv$ gives the vertical rocket equationWith $\dot{m}=-\alpha$ and $m=m_0-\alpha t$, integration for free flight starting from rest at $t=0$ givesThe logarithmic term is the ideal Tsiolkovsky rocket equation contribution; $gt$ is the gravity loss. Immediate upward departure requires positive initial acceleration, orAt exact equality the initial acceleration is zero, but further burning reduces the weight and permits departure immediately thereafter. If departure is allowed to be delayed while fuel burns on the pad, the condition is instead $\alpha w>m(t)g$ at some time before burnout. With final rocket dry mass $m_f$, any powered departure before burnout requires $w>g{m}_f/\alpha$; the free-flight formula then starts at the actual departure time $t_{\ell }$ with $m(t_{\ell })$, giving $v=w\ln [m(t_{\ell })/m(t)]-g(t-t_{\ell })$.

For the specified data, the initial mass includes the payload. The rocket fuel fraction givesThe $100\mathrm{kg}$ payload is already part of the $2500\mathrm{kg}$ final mass; it is not the entire rocket dry mass and must not be added a second time. Here $m_{0}g/\alpha =196m/s$, well below the stated rocket exhaust speed, so departure is immediate. The burnout speed isThis is the speed at burnout. Subsequent motion under the assumed uniform gravity has $v(t)=v(T)-g(t-T)$.

Fermat principle states that the optical path length $\int nds$, equivalently the travel time in the nondispersive stationary isotropic ray model, is stationary for the actual light ray between fixed endpoints. It need not be a minimum in every optical system.

For two homogeneous media separated by $y=0$, place the fixed endpoints at $(0,h_1)$ and $(D,-h_2)$, with positive heights. If the ray crosses at $(x,0)$, its optical path isStationarity with respect to the crossing point givesThe two fractions are $\sin {\theta }_1$ and $\sin {\theta }_2$, with angles measured from the interface normal. Thuswhich is Snell's law. Dividing $\mathcal{L}$ by the vacuum light speed gives the corresponding travel time; minimizing geometric distance without refractive-index weighting would incorrectly predict a straight ray through unlike media.

Use nonrelativistic dynamics, take $B>0$ along $+y$, and neglect radiation. The Lorentz force $q\mathbf{v}\times \mathbf{B}$ initially points along $+z$. It does no work, so the speed stays $v$ and the trajectory inside the field is circular, withStarting from the entry point, the orbit can be parametrized as $x=r\sin \theta$, $z=r(1-\cos \theta )$, where $\theta =\Omega t$. Its largest possible $x$ before turning back is $r$. Therefore it enters the strict region $x>b$ exactly whenFor that case, the first boundary crossing satisfies $\sin {\theta }_b=b/r$. The velocity components are $v_x=v\cos {\theta }_b$ and $v_z=v\sin {\theta }_b$, so the outgoing angle above the $+x$ direction isThe zero-field limit is straight motion. At $r=b$ the particle only touches the far boundary tangentially and does not enter $x>b$; for $r<b$ it turns around before reaching that boundary and eventually returns through the entrance side. The equality case must therefore not be included in a crossing condition.

The electric field does work $qEd$ on the initially stationary particle. Thus the entry speed into the magnetic region isIn the source geometry the magnetic field is perpendicular to the page, and the particle enters perpendicular to the straight interface. Its return to that interface occurs after a semicircle. The separation between exit and return points is its orbit diameter, so the required separation $d$ gives $r=d/2$. ConsequentlyFor the drawn field into the page and a positive charge entering upwards, the trajectory bends left. Its speed is constant while in the magnetic field, so the time there is the semicircle length divided by $v_0$:The last form is half the cyclotron period and independently checks the geometric calculation.

By symmetry, the resultant Coulomb force on each charge points along the line from the centroid to its vertex. Their accelerations and subsequent speeds are equal, so the centroid remains fixed and the equilateral triangle expands without rotating. Each charge follows a straight radial trajectory; the separation grows and the repulsive force decreases.

For example, if the instantaneous side is $s$ and the centroid-to-charge distance is $r=s/\sqrt{3}$, the two pair forces have a $60^{\circ }$ angle between them. Their resultant is $\sqrt{3}{k}_e{q}^2/s^2=k_e{q}^2/(\sqrt{3}{r}^2)$, along the outward radius. This confirms that the symmetric shape persists.

Assuming release from rest, nonrelativistic motion and negligible radiation losses, energy conservation givesThe three velocity vectors sum to zero, consistent with momentum conservation. Their magnitudes approach the displayed value as the remaining electrostatic potential energy tends to zero.

The Lorentz force isFor $\mathbf{E}=0$, the magnetic part is perpendicular to the velocity, so its instantaneous power $\mathbf{F}\cdot \mathbf{v}$ vanishes. The speed and kinetic energy therefore remain constant. Decompose the initial velocity into $v_{\parallel }$ along the uniform magnetic field and $v_{\perp }$ perpendicular to it. The parallel component is unchanged, while the perpendicular component rotates uniformly.

For a nonrelativistic particle with $qB\ne 0$, the resulting helical motion hasHere $r_L$ is the Larmor radius, ${\omega }_c$ the cyclotron frequency in angular units, and $h$ the axial advance per turn. Opposite signs of electric charge give opposite senses of rotation. Pure perpendicular motion gives a circle; pure parallel motion gives a straight line. If $q=0$ or $B=0$, there is no magnetic deflection. At relativistic speeds, replace $m$ in the radius and period by $\gamma m$; $\gamma$ stays constant because the magnetic force does no work.