Momentum relative to the Speed of Light: Difference between revisions
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The equation for <math> \gamma </math> is as follows: <br> | The equation for <math> \gamma </math> is as follows: <br> | ||
<big><math> \gamma = \sqrt{\frac{1}{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}} </math></big><br> where '''v''' is again the velocity, and '''c''' is the speed of light or <math> 3 * 10^8 </math> | <big><math> \gamma = \sqrt{\frac{1}{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}} </math></big><br> where '''v''' is again the velocity, and '''c''' is the speed of light or <math> 3 * 10^8 </math> | ||
Again, this formula should only be used when traveling close to the speed of light. As you can see in the following chart, momentum is only noticeably affected around <math> 10^7 </math>. | |||
[[File:Momentum.JPG|thumb|How higher speeds increase the relativistic constant]] | |||
==Examples== | ==Examples== | ||
===Simple=== | ===Simple=== | ||
Revision as of 01:37, 10 April 2017
The page focuses on momentum when traveling close to the speed of light
The Main Idea
Momentum is a property of a moving body; it can be narrowed down to simply mass and velocity (hence, [math]\displaystyle{ p = mv }[/math]). However, the usual momentum equation does not always apply. When traveling near the speed of light, a new equation must be used. This equation was discovered by Albert Einstein in the early 1900's. This discovery revolutionized physics and introduced a new constant, gamma or [math]\displaystyle{ \gamma }[/math], a quantity relating velocity and momentum.
A Mathematical Model
The relative equation for momentum is as follows:
[math]\displaystyle{ p = \gamma * m * v }[/math]
where p is the momentum of the system, m is mass, and v is the velocity.
The new constant [math]\displaystyle{ \gamma }[/math] is a bit more complicated.
The equation for [math]\displaystyle{ \gamma }[/math] is as follows:
[math]\displaystyle{ \gamma = \sqrt{\frac{1}{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}} }[/math]
where v is again the velocity, and c is the speed of light or [math]\displaystyle{ 3 * 10^8 }[/math]
Again, this formula should only be used when traveling close to the speed of light. As you can see in the following chart, momentum is only noticeably affected around [math]\displaystyle{ 10^7 }[/math].
Examples
Simple
Middling
Difficult
Connectedness
This concept of relativistic momentum affects several different majors. For example, on a quantum physics level, relativistic momentum aids in accurately predicting the position of a particle through a certain period of time.
Relativistic momentum is applicable throughout majors. Hopefully, one day, you'll find its use for you.
History
In 1905, Albert Einstein released his Special Theory of Relativity to the public. This theory set the "speed limit" for the universe at the speed of light. When objects, came closer to the speed of light, many entities are drastically changed (one being momentum). This changed the direction of physics immensely. After this discovery, physicists were better able to predict and calculate momentum on the microscopic scale of fast-moving particles.
See also
Links to different uses of momentum
Further reading
Momentum Principle
Impulse Momentum
Momentum with Respect to External Forces