Mass and energy when traveling at near the speed of light

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SUMMARY

Objects cannot travel at the speed of light due to the relativistic increase in mass as their velocity approaches that of light. This phenomenon is a fundamental aspect of Einstein's theory of relativity. Additionally, light, despite having no mass, is influenced by gravity, particularly near massive objects like black holes, due to the curvature of spacetime. This interaction is well-documented and can be further explored through established physics literature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity
  • Familiarity with the concept of mass-energy equivalence
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational effects on light
  • Awareness of spacetime curvature
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Einstein's theory of relativity in detail
  • Research the concept of mass-energy equivalence
  • Explore gravitational lensing and its implications
  • Investigate the properties of black holes and their effects on light
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the implications of relativity and the behavior of light in gravitational fields.

divya_basuti
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I was reading about the speed of light and it says that no object can travel at the speed of light because the mass of the object increases as it moves faster. How is that possible?

Also if light travels at such a speed because it has no mass, then why does light get affected by gravity near black holes? Doesn't an object need mass to feel the effect of gravity?
 
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divya_basuti said:
I was reading about the speed of light and it says that no object can travel at the speed of light because the mass of the object increases as it moves faster. How is that possible?

What do you mean by "How is that possible?" We observe that it happens, so evidently it's possible.

divya_basuti said:
Also if light travels at such a speed because it has no mass, then why does light get affected by gravity near black holes? Doesn't an object need mass to feel the effect of gravity?

We have a FAQ about this: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=511173
 

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