Speed and Kinetic Energy of Relativistic Electrons
Abstract
Using a Van de Graaff electrostatic generator and a linear accelerator, the speeds of electrons with kinetic energies in the range 0.5-15 MeV are determined by measuring the time required for the electrons to traverse a given distance. The measurements show the existence of a limiting speed in accord with the results of special relativity. The kinetic energy, determined by calorimetry, verifies that an electric field exerts a force on a moving electron in its direction of motion that is independent of its speed.
- Publication:
-
American Journal of Physics
- Pub Date:
- July 1964
- DOI:
- 10.1119/1.1970770
- Bibcode:
- 1964AmJPh..32..551B