What Determines Relativistic Momentum: Mass or Velocity?

In summary, the conversation discussed a multiple choice question on relativistic momentum and the two possible answers. The individual chose the second answer, stating that mass and velocity are intertwined and one can easily calculate momentum if the relativistic mass is known. However, the given answer was the first option. The conversation ends with the individual asking if this is just a technicality or something important to know.
  • #1
Shark 774
42
0
In a practice exam I just did for my upcoming high school mid-year, there was a multiple choice question and the two answers that seemed plausable were "relativistic momentum depends on the mass and velocity of the object" or "relativistic momentum depends only on the mass of the object". I chose the second one with the reasoning that mass and velocity are intertwined and one increases so does the other, so if you know the relativistic mass (and the rest mass) you can easily work out the momentum. I think it's a bit of a stupid question really, but they gave their answer as the first one, not the second one. What do you guys reckon? Just a technicality or is it something worth knowing/worrying about?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi Shark 774! :smile:

Momentum is mov/√(1 - v2/c2)

which you can also write as mrelativsiticv …

either way, it depends on both mass and velocity. :redface:​
 
  • #3
tiny-tim said:
Hi Shark 774! :smile:

Momentum is mov/√(1 - v2/c2)

which you can also write as mrelativsiticv …

either way, it depends on both mass and velocity. :redface:​

Ok thanks!
 

FAQ: What Determines Relativistic Momentum: Mass or Velocity?

What is relativistic momentum?

Relativistic momentum is a concept in physics that describes the momentum of an object moving at speeds close to the speed of light. It takes into account the effects of special relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction.

How is relativistic momentum calculated?

The equation for relativistic momentum is p = mv/√(1-(v^2/c^2)), where p is momentum, m is mass, v is velocity, and c is the speed of light. This equation takes into account the effects of special relativity and is more accurate for high-speed objects than the classical momentum equation p=mv.

What is the difference between relativistic and classical momentum?

The main difference between relativistic and classical momentum is that relativistic momentum takes into account the effects of special relativity, while classical momentum does not. At low speeds, both equations give similar results, but at high speeds, the classical equation becomes increasingly inaccurate.

How does relativistic momentum change with increasing velocity?

As an object's velocity approaches the speed of light, its relativistic momentum also increases. However, due to the denominator of the equation, the increase in momentum becomes less and less significant as the velocity gets closer to the speed of light. This is why it is impossible for an object with mass to reach the speed of light.

What are some real-world applications of relativistic momentum?

Relativistic momentum is a crucial concept in many areas of physics, such as particle physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics. It is used to understand the behavior of subatomic particles, the structure of atoms, and the movement of objects in space. It also has practical applications in fields such as aerospace engineering and the development of high-speed transportation systems.

Similar threads

How Does the Relativistic Rocket Equation Describe Velocity?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Determining beta as a function of relativistic momentum
Replies
1
Views
2K
Mass, acceleration and velocity
Replies
3
Views
2K
Relativistic Conservation of Momentum Confusion
Replies
2
Views
983
Particle decay: Relativistic or classical?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Test question: What is true for a mechanical impact?
Replies
7
Views
689
SOS -- Questions about mass, acceleration and velocity
Replies
4
Views
2K
Find second object's velocity in relativity
Replies
2
Views
907
Projectile-car system and momentum
Replies
2
Views
879
Change in momentum when given the speed (not the velocity).
Replies
2
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top