How is mass density affected by speeds near c?

[elliottmarter]

basically what is the relationship between mass density at "zero" speed and mass density at speeds nearing the speed of light (0.98c,0.99c etc)

in the form M = \gamma Mo if possible

Thanks a lot guys!

 

[elliottmarter]

sorry just saw that this should have gone in the H/W section

 

[A.T.]

M = \gamma Mo

Isn't that the answer to your own question?

 

[elliottmarter]

well, i mean i took a guess that it takes that form, but is gamma squared or cubed?...anything that could change the proportionality...you know :)

cheers

 

[A.T.]

well, i mean i took a guess that it takes that form, but is gamma squared or cubed?...anything that could change the proportionality...you know :)

If by "mass density" you mean "relativistic mass / volume" then yes, gamma is squared:

gamma = 2 means that a moving object has half the volume, but also double relativistic mass, so 4 time more "mass density".

 

[elliottmarter]

ah i see!

thanks a lot, i think i will be frequenting these forums often in the future