Does mass become infinite near the speed of light?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that while relativistic mass increases with speed, it does not become infinite at the speed of light; instead, the kinetic energy of an object approaches infinity. The term "relativistic mass" is largely considered outdated and can lead to confusion. The invariant mass remains constant regardless of speed, and the increase in inertia is attributed to external energy input rather than speed itself. Observers in a spaceship traveling close to the speed of light perceive their mass as unchanged, while external observers note the increased inertia of the ship.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of invariant mass
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy and its relation to speed
  • Basic grasp of relativistic momentum
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of relativistic momentum in high-speed physics
  • Study the differences between invariant mass and relativistic mass
  • Explore the concept of kinetic energy in the context of special relativity
  • Examine the mathematical framework of velocity addition in relativity
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of physics, and anyone interested in the principles of special relativity and the behavior of mass and energy at high speeds.

  • #61
Orodruin said:
This is explicitly claimed by you:

end of discussion
 

Similar threads

Undergrad A question about the speed of light and electromagnetism
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
High School c^2 in Einstein‘s theory of relativity
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
High School What if we use a non physical reference point to measure an object's mass?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
High School Speed of light and this Accelerating Rocket scenario
  • · Replies 45 ·
2
Replies
45
Views
5K
High School Why does it require an infinite amount of energy to reach the speed of light?
  • · Replies 130 ·
5
Replies
130
Views
14K
Undergrad What Happens When a Planet Nears the Speed of Light Near a Black Hole?
  • · Replies 64 ·
3
Replies
64
Views
5K
High School Thought Experiment: Behavior of shadow of object moving at speed c
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
Graduate 1-Way Speed of Light
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
2K
High School Can You Become a Black Hole from Approaching Light Speed?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
High School Thought Experiment : Try and get Alice to "0%" the Speed of light
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K