Mass and the Speed of Light: Equations and Measurements

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between mass and the speed of light, specifically focusing on the equation that describes how mass increases as an object approaches the speed of light. Participants explore the implications of relativistic mass and the challenges of measuring mass in the context of an expanding universe.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the equation that indicates mass increases to infinity as an object approaches the speed of light.
  • Another participant provides the equation for relativistic mass: m = m₀ / √(1 - v² / c²).
  • A participant expresses belief in the provided equation and requests a derivation or a reference for it.
  • A different participant references a prior discussion on the derivation of relativistic mass, suggesting it may contain useful information.
  • Another question is raised regarding how to measure the initial mass of an object in the context of an expanding universe and whether this mass is relative to the universe's frame of reference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the measurement of initial mass in an expanding universe, and multiple views on the implications of relativistic mass are present.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the assumptions involved in measuring mass and the dependence on the frame of reference in an expanding universe.

ThoughtProces
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I was wondering if there is and what is the equations that show that as an object accelerates towards the speed of light its mass increase to infinite.
 
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You're probably thinking of this equation:

[tex]m = \frac {m_0} {\sqrt{1 - v^2 / c^2}}[/tex]
 
i do believe this is the equation do you have a derivation of where it comes from or could you point me to a site for which it has the derivation.

thanks
 
thanks for the link, it should prove to be a good read
 
I guess another question is how do we measure the initial mass of an object if we are all traveling at a changing velocity due to the constant acceleration of an expanding universe. Or is the initial mass relative to the expanding universe in its own frame of reference?
 

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