What's wrong with my calculation?

  • Thread starter scilover89
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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of a particle with mass travelling at the speed of light and how it would require infinite energy to move beyond the speed of light. A calculation is presented, but it is later determined to be incorrect due to not using the relativistic formula for kinetic energy. The concept of rest-mass and relativistic mass is also mentioned.
  • #1
scilover89
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"If a particle which has mass travel at the speed of light, the particle mass will reach infinity, which require infinity energy to move it, thus particle can't travel beyond the speed of light."
I made an calculation about it.(And it turned out to be wrong) However, I couldn't find the mistake!
This is my calculation:
Let the mass = 1kg, and the velotion = c
Kinetic energy gained while travelling=0.5mc^2
=0.5c^2
When these energy is fully converted into mass,
Einstein's Equation:E=mc^2
0.5c^2=mc^2
m=0.5
The mass gained by the particle is 0.5, not infinity? Why?
 
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  • #3
That equation describes the amount of energy released when turning mass into energy - it has nothing to do with relativistic mass.
 
  • #4
and besides m = 1kg is nonsense because you are confusing rest-mass and relativistic mass. Keep in mind that mass is always interpreted as rest-mass though the epitheton rest is left behind...

marlon
 

What is the most common mistake in scientific calculations?

The most common mistake in scientific calculations is using the wrong units or incorrect conversions. It is important to always double check the units and conversions in your calculations to ensure accuracy.

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What should I do if I realize I made a mistake in my calculation?

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Why is it important to verify the accuracy of calculations in scientific research?

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