Exam-style question
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What happens to the rest energy of a particle when it is accelerated to a speed close to c?.
- A.Rest energy increases.
- B.Rest energy decreases.
- C.Rest energy remains the same.
- D.Rest energy becomes zero.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Rest energy remains the same.
Explanation
Why this works
Formula: E₀ = m₀ c². Substitution: m₀ is constant.
Working: E₀ does not depend on speed, so it remains unchanged. Answer: Rest energy remains the same.
Units: J.
Common mistake
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