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Relativistic Mass Formula:
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Relativistic mass is the mass of an object as measured from another frame of reference where the object is in motion. According to Einstein's special theory of relativity, the mass of an object increases as its velocity approaches the speed of light.
The calculator uses the relativistic mass formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula shows how mass increases with velocity according to special relativity, becoming infinite as velocity approaches the speed of light.
Details: Understanding relativistic effects is crucial in particle physics, astrophysics, and any context where objects move at significant fractions of the speed of light. It explains why nothing with mass can reach or exceed light speed.
Tips: Enter rest mass in kilograms, velocity in meters per second, and the speed of light (default is 299,792,458 m/s). Velocity must be less than the speed of light.
Q1: Why does mass increase with velocity?
A: According to special relativity, as an object's velocity increases, its energy increases. Since mass and energy are equivalent (E=mc²), this increased energy manifests as increased mass.
Q2: What is the difference between rest mass and relativistic mass?
A: Rest mass is the mass of an object when it's stationary. Relativistic mass is the total mass of the object when it's moving relative to an observer.
Q3: At what speed do relativistic effects become noticeable?
A: Relativistic effects become significant at speeds above about 10% of the speed of light (approximately 30,000,000 m/s).
Q4: Does this mean objects actually get heavier?
A: The object's intrinsic properties don't change, but its resistance to acceleration increases, which we measure as increased mass from the observer's frame of reference.
Q5: Why can't anything with mass reach the speed of light?
A: As an object approaches light speed, its relativistic mass approaches infinity, requiring infinite energy to accelerate it further, which is impossible.