Whenever we increase the velocity of a particle, the mass of he particle also

[aayushmittal]

I read somewhere than whenever we increase the velocity of a particle, the mass of he particle also increases. I also read that it is impossible reach the speed of light as the mass of the particle, just before reaching the speed of light, will become infinite (not infinite but very large) and a lot of force will be needed to increase the speed further which will only result in more increase in mass. Now, i have the following 2 questions-

1. Why do mass go on increasing? and-
2. what if we consider mass less particles? Which there will an increase in mass too? If no, then why can't they achieve the speed of light?

 

[phinds]

2. what if we consider mass less particles? Which there will an increase in mass too? If no, then why can't they achieve the speed of light?

Hey, welcome to the forum. I would suggest that in future you think of a meaningful title for your posts, since that way you will attract more people who are interested in the subject you are asking about. "Please see below" is not helpful.

Massless particles ALWAYS travel at the universal speed limit (the same speed that light travels at).

 

[Doc Al]

2. what if we consider mass less particles? Which there will an increase in mass too? If no, then why can't they achieve the speed of light?

Massless particles (particles with zero invariant mass) already move at the speed of light.

 

[danR]

1. Why do mass go on increasing?

The answer to your first question should answer an important distinction: the real mass of the particle is not increasing.

There is a danger of equivocation over 'equivalence' and 'sameness' in Einstein's famous equation. What is increasing is the total energy of the system. By analogy, we can say that dollar and a yen can be related in an equation (using the exchange-rate as a constant). But a dollar is not a yen.

 

[sardar]

1. The concept of mass increasing as velocity increases is known as relativistic mass. It is a result of the theory of relativity, which states that the mass of an object is not constant but depends on its velocity. As an object moves faster, its energy also increases, and this increase in energy is equivalent to an increase in mass. This is why the mass of a particle increases as its velocity increases.

2. The same principle applies to particles with less mass. As they approach the speed of light, their energy increases, resulting in an increase in their mass. This means that even particles with very little mass will have a significant increase in mass as they approach the speed of light. This is why it is impossible for any particle, regardless of its mass, to reach the speed of light.

In conclusion, the increase in mass as velocity increases is a fundamental concept in the theory of relativity. It is not limited to particles with a certain mass, but applies to all particles as they approach the speed of light. This is why it is impossible for any particle to reach the speed of light.