Understanding Mass from Different Observers

  • Thread starter Tregg Smith
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In summary, the rest mass, or inertial mass, of an object is the same for all observers and does not change based on the frame of reference. The "relativistic mass" of an object can vary for different observers, but the rest mass is always constant. This can be calculated using the object's energy and momentum.
  • #1
Tregg Smith
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I take it rest mass means relative to the observer. We on Earth are speeding through space so to a different observer that mass is not at rest. Correct? So is there any way to tell when something is at rest and to get one absolute amount of mass? Oops! Do I see it? It's both. The mass is different to each observer and the measurement is correct but different in each case. Wow!
 
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  • #2
The rest mass is invariant to observers (it does not change based on your frame of reference). The "mass" that DOES depend on observers is the so called "relativistic mass".
 
  • #3
Tregg Smith said:
I take it rest mass means relative to the observer.
No, it means the object's inertial mass (resistance to acceleration) in the object's own rest frame at any given moment. Unlike with relativistic mass, all observers agree on an object's rest mass.
 
  • #4
In any inertial reference frame, you can find the "rest mass" (more properly called "inertial mass") by measuring the object's energy E and momentum p, and calculating

[tex]m = \frac{1}{c^2} \sqrt {E^2 - (pc)^2}[/tex]
 

FAQ: Understanding Mass from Different Observers

What is the concept of mass from different observers?

The concept of mass from different observers refers to the idea that the mass of an object can appear different to different observers depending on their relative motion.

How does the theory of relativity explain mass from different observers?

The theory of relativity explains mass from different observers by stating that mass is a relative quantity and can vary based on the relative motion between the observer and the object.

Can mass be measured differently by different observers?

Yes, mass can be measured differently by different observers due to the theory of relativity. An object's mass can appear greater or smaller to different observers depending on their relative motion.

Does the concept of mass from different observers have practical applications?

Yes, the concept of mass from different observers has practical applications in fields such as particle physics, where the mass of particles can be measured differently by different observers.

Are there any other theories or principles related to mass from different observers?

Yes, the principle of equivalence in general relativity also plays a role in understanding mass from different observers. It states that the gravitational mass and inertial mass of an object are equivalent, meaning that an object's mass affects how it moves in a gravitational field.

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