How do i convert ?

1. Jun 21, 2005

gunblaze

I was reading a book on the theory of relativity yesterday and it said that by substituting the equation for momentum (p=mv) in to the formula E^2=m^2c^4+p^2c^2..
i will be able to get this E=gamma mc^2..
I was just wondering where they get the "gamma" from? can anyone pls tell me how they get that? Thx
sry, not really good at this.

2. Jun 21, 2005

Pengwuino

gamme is equal to 1 over the square root of 1-((v^2)/(c^2))

3. Jun 21, 2005

dextercioby

You need to be careful with the notation.

$$E^{2}=m^{2}c^{4}+p^{2}c^{2}$$

and $$p=\gamma m v$$.

Daniel.

4. Jun 21, 2005

gunblaze

Isn't momentum=mass x velocity?

5. Jun 21, 2005

Pengwuino

Not in relativistic physics. Its gamma * mass * velocity as v -> c

6. Jun 21, 2005

gunblaze

erm.. can we put velocity, v, and speed of light, c, together?
eg: $$v^{2}c^{2}=c^{4}$$

Last edited: Jun 21, 2005
7. Jun 21, 2005

gunblaze

but it sounds ridiculous rite? how can the velocity be equal to the speed of light?

8. Jun 21, 2005

gunblaze

k.. guys, i get it alr..thx thx so much!