Does my weight change if I travel

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster questions whether their weight changes when traveling near the speed of light, exploring concepts related to relativistic physics and the effects of high speeds on mass and weight.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between mass and weight at relativistic speeds, with some suggesting that weight may increase due to gravitational effects, while others consider the implications of different frames of reference.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of ideas, with participants sharing their thoughts on how weight might be perceived differently depending on the frame of reference. Some guidance has been offered regarding the association of weight with gravity, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note a lack of familiarity with relativistic calculations and question the importance of frame of reference in this context.

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Homework Statement



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


Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



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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.

:)
 

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