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Chapter 1
Theory of Relativity
Lecture 1.6
Concept of Relativistic Momentum/Variation of mass
with velocity:
m(u) = m0
Relativistic force : 2nd law in relativistic form:
Note that the result is different from classical formula F = ma. Because
in above γ is function of v.
W = Fs --------(1)
If no other force acts on the object and object starts from the rest
then the whole work done converts into K.E. i.e. KE = Fs.
------------(2)
In the non-relativistic case the Kinetic energy of an object of mass m
and speed v is (mv 2/2).
To get the relativistic form of the K.E. We shall use the relativistic
Form of 2nd law of motion i.e.
-------(3)
Integrating by part
We get
Above eq. Says that the kinetic energy of an object is
equal to the increase in its mass due to its relativistic
motion multiplied by the square of the speed of the
light.
-----------(2)
--------------(3)
---------(4)
Using (3) in (4) we have
------(5)
Concept of massless particles:
And energy is
E =
It means if a mass-less particle with speed less then the speed of light
exist than that particle will possess neither energy nor momentum.
However, when m0 = 0 and v = c, than E = 0/0 and p = 0/0, which
mean the energy and momentum are indeterminate and can possess
any values. Thus a mass-less particle with finite value of E and p can
exist provided they move with the speed of light.
Energy, E = pc
Momentum p = E/c
Exercise: