Question

Cosmic rays are particles traveling at extreme speeds through intergalactic space. Many are launched by exploding supernovae. Even the slowest cosmic rays travel at 43% of the speed of light. Calculate the gamma factor for cosmic rays traveling at these speeds.

Answer 1

Answer:

1.1

Explanation:

Cosmic rays are particles traveling at extreme speeds through intergalactic space. Many are launched by exploding supernovae. From the question, we know that slowest cosmic rays travel at 43% of the speed of light that is 43/100 multiply by the speed of light(speed of light= 3.0×10^8 m/s).

Gamma factor can be calculated using the formula below;

Gamma factor= 1/(1- v^2/c^2)^1/2 --------------------------------------------(1).

Gamma factor= 1/(1-3.0×10^8 metre per seconds ×43/100÷ 3.0×10^8 metre per seconds) ^1/2

Gamma factor= 1/(1-1.6641×10^16/3.0×10^2)^1/2

Gamma factor= 1/(1-1.16641×10^16/9×10^16)^1/2

Gamma factor= 1/(1-0.1296)^1/2

Gamma factor= 1/(0.87)^1/2

Gamma factor= 1/0.9327

Gamma factor= 1.072112535

Gamma factor= ~ 1.1