Does my weight change if I travel

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

When traveling near the speed of light, an individual's mass increases due to relativistic effects, but their weight remains constant in their own frame of reference. Weight is fundamentally linked to gravitational force, which does not change simply because one is moving at high speeds through space. Therefore, while mass increases, the perceived weight does not change for the traveler, aligning with the principles of relativity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's Theory of Relativity
  • Basic knowledge of mass versus weight concepts
  • Familiarity with gravitational force principles
  • Concept of frame of reference in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Einstein's Theory of Relativity in detail
  • Learn about relativistic mass and its implications
  • Explore gravitational force calculations in different frames of reference
  • Investigate the effects of speed on physical properties in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching relativity, and anyone interested in the effects of high-speed travel on physical properties.

javas1
Messages
14
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Does my weight change if I travel near the speed of light?


Homework Equations



NA

The Attempt at a Solution



NA
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What do you think will happen as you approach speeds near or at the speed of light?
 
rock.freak667 said:
What do you think will happen as you approach speeds near or at the speed of light?


My mass will increase, but I am not certain if weight increases.

My hunch is that I won't notice anything in my frame of reference. What I mean is, nothing will change - my weight will stay the same.

Is that right?

Thanks.
 
I don't know too much on relativistic calculations, but weight is associated with gravity, so assuming you can approach c for a certain 'g', your weight will increase.

But if you are flying through space, in your frame, I would agree with you.
 
rock.freak667 said:
I don't know too much on relativistic calculations, but weight is associated with gravity, so assuming you can approach c for a certain 'g', your weight will increase.

But if you are flying through space, in your frame, I would agree with you.


Okay, thank you very much. It's probably not crucial to include frame of reference.

:)
 

Similar threads

Friction direction change in a inclined circular bend (car on a road)
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
Current on Infinite Periodic LC Circuit
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Time it Takes for a Transverse Pulse to Travel a Distance "L" Up a Cable Against Gravity?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Solve Snell's Law: Glass Cube Refractive Index = 1.77
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
Frame of reference question: Car traveling at the equator
  • · Replies 126 ·
5
Replies
126
Views
11K
What is the apparent weight of a woman riding over a hump in a car?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Calculate elevator acceleration using mass
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Find the magnetic field given I, t, Hall EMF, and G_s
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graph of viscous force and velocity
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
Tension in a rope hanging between 2 trees
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
1K