SUMMARY
A person with a mass of 48 kg wishes to gain 12 kg relativistically, resulting in a new mass (M) of 60 kg. The relevant formula used is M = Mo / √(1 - v²/c²), where Mo is the original mass and c is the speed of light (3 x 10^8 m/s). After rearranging the equation and substituting the values, the calculated velocity (v) is approximately 1.8 x 10^8 m/s, which is about 0.6 times the speed of light. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying algebraic manipulation to derive the velocity.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of relativistic mass increase
- Familiarity with the equation M = Mo / √(1 - v²/c²)
- Basic algebra skills for rearranging equations
- Knowledge of the speed of light (c = 3 x 10^8 m/s)
NEXT STEPS
- Study the implications of relativistic mass in physics
- Learn how to manipulate equations involving square roots and fractions
- Explore the concept of Lorentz transformation in special relativity
- Practice solving problems involving relativistic speeds and mass changes
USEFUL FOR
Students of physics, educators teaching special relativity, and anyone interested in understanding relativistic effects on mass and velocity.