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What are relativistic and non-relativistic electron flows?

I'm trying to learn about the magnetosphere. Wikipedia rather lamely defines relativistic electron flow as "streams of electrons moving at relativistic speeds." What does relativistic mean? Thanks.

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    relativistic speeds are speeds close to the speed of light in vacuum (approx. 300000km/s). Electrons will never be able to actually reach this speed, but as they get closer to it, they become heavier than if they are not moving (The specific theory of relativity explains why)

  • 1 decade ago

    Most scientists would say that a speed 10% of light is relativistic, others would say 20%.

    At 10%c, the relativistic correction for mass and length is 5.4%.

    At 20%c, it is 11.8%

    At 90%c, it is 216%

    At 99%c, it is 900%

    at 99.999%c, an object appears to be 315 times more massive, and 1/315 the length of its rest mass and size.

  • 1 decade ago

    If something is relativistic it is subject to the theory of relativity. (Do you know what that is?)

    It also relates to or results from speeds approaching the speed of light.

    Source(s): brain/dictionary
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    speeds is one thing for the electron flows or a movement of some kind. IT's a great question. YOu get a star!

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I don't understand what you're trying to ask.Next question.I rather be eaten by flying sharks than to waste my time on such primitive questions.A brain with superior intellect like mine doesn't have time for silly questions.

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