Length Contraction Affect on Mass: Physics Explained

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter NotAMethDealer
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Length Mass
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that when an object approaches the speed of light (C), length contraction occurs, but mass does not fluctuate in the conventional sense. Historically, the concept of relativistic mass suggested that mass increases by a factor of gamma, as detailed in the Wikipedia article on relativistic mass. However, since around 1950, the physics community has shifted to considering mass as invariant, leading to the momentum equation p = mγv. Thus, the effect of length contraction does not directly influence mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts
  • Familiarity with the gamma factor (γ)
  • Knowledge of momentum equations in physics
  • Basic grasp of relativistic mass versus invariant mass
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of invariant mass in modern physics
  • Study the derivation and applications of the gamma factor (γ)
  • Explore the historical context of relativistic mass and its decline in use
  • Learn about the relationship between length contraction and time dilation
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in relativity, and anyone interested in the nuances of mass and motion at relativistic speeds.

NotAMethDealer
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
If an object is going at near C(light velocity) and undergoes length contraction. Does the mass fluctuate?I apologize if it is an obvious question but I'm a little rusty on my physics.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is more a matter of convention than a matter of fact. The older convention was to say that mass would go up by a factor of gamma: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relativistic_mass#Relativistic_mass In that convention, momentum was still p=mv. Since about 1950, relativists have no longer used that convention. They take mass to be invariant and write [itex]p=m\gamma v[/itex]. Either way, it's not an effect caused by length contraction.
 

Similar threads

High School Thought Experiment: Behavior of shadow of object moving at speed c
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Undergrad Perceive Length Contraction VS Terrell Penrose
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
High School Could Traveling at Near-Light Speed Create Black Holes?
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
High School Does shortness from length contraction have a real physical effect?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Relativity of Simultaneity and Length Contraction
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
5K
Undergrad What causes time dilation and length contraction
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Please explain how length contraction and time dilation result in a constant c
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Undergrad An issue with length contraction
  • · Replies 78 ·
3
Replies
78
Views
7K
Undergrad Linear Accelerator Length Contraction
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Why does length contraction occur and how does it relate to time dilation?
  • · Replies 63 ·
3
Replies
63
Views
6K