What's wrong with my calculation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant's calculation regarding the kinetic energy of a particle with mass traveling at the speed of light, exploring concepts of mass and energy in the context of special relativity. The scope includes theoretical considerations and mathematical reasoning related to relativistic physics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims that as a particle with mass approaches the speed of light, its mass would theoretically reach infinity, requiring infinite energy to accelerate further.
  • The same participant presents a calculation using classical kinetic energy formulas, concluding that the mass gained is 0.5 kg, questioning why it does not reach infinity.
  • Another participant argues that classical formulas are inappropriate for describing properties of matter at relativistic speeds and suggests using the relativistic formula for kinetic energy instead.
  • A different participant states that the equation presented by the first participant pertains to energy release from mass conversion and does not relate to relativistic mass.
  • One participant critiques the use of a fixed mass value (1 kg) in the context of relativistic physics, emphasizing the distinction between rest mass and relativistic mass.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the application of classical physics to relativistic scenarios, with multiple competing views on the interpretation of mass and energy in these contexts. The discussion remains unresolved as participants have not reached a consensus on the correct approach or interpretation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made in the initial calculation, particularly the reliance on classical mechanics in a relativistic framework. The distinction between rest mass and relativistic mass is also not fully explored, which may affect the interpretations presented.

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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That equation describes the amount of energy released when turning mass into energy - it has nothing to do with relativistic mass.
 
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
 

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