Mass of fuel would ALSO increase as spaceship comes near the speed of light

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of relativistic mass and energy as a spaceship approaches the speed of light. Participants clarify that while the relativistic mass of the spaceship and its fuel appears to increase from an external observer's perspective, the invariant mass remains unchanged. The concept of energy conservation is emphasized, indicating that no infinite energy can be derived from this process. The conversation highlights misunderstandings of special relativity, particularly regarding the relationship between mass, energy, and acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Knowledge of relativistic mass vs. invariant mass
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy concepts
  • Basic grasp of acceleration and its effects at relativistic speeds
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relativistic rocket equations for acceleration calculations
  • Explore the implications of time dilation in high-speed travel
  • Research the concept of invariant mass and its significance in physics
  • Investigate energy conservation laws in relativistic contexts
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, aerospace engineers, students of physics, and anyone interested in the principles of relativity and high-speed travel dynamics.

  • #61
i know you say my way will not work but i'v tried it your way and my way and they get the exact same answer. it's my presentation that is faulty. I'm not describing my method in clear detail. i'll try again. first i use m=e/c^2. then i multiply m*light speed to get Newtons. then i divide Newtons by ships mass to get velocity after firing the laser. maybe it works because you could be accelerating @ 300000000m/sec^2 for one second. it's wrong i guess i just got lucky somehow it gets the same answer. anyways thanks for the work and the nice handy dandy equation. I'm glad we have guys like you to steer us fumbling laymen in the right direction again thanks and let me get off this year ond thread. bye.
 
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  • #62
Hi jonnyk
If you look closer at the discussion of relativistic rockets at Baez's site you'll notice total energy is conserved. Read it a bit closer and you'll see what I mean.
 
  • #63
qraal said:
Hi jonnyk
If you look closer at the discussion of relativistic rockets at Baez's site you'll notice total energy is conserved. Read it a bit closer and you'll see what I mean.
Egads! I just noticed how old the post I am replying to was. Oops.
 
  • #64
mass times velocity gives momentum but that momentum and mass applied to an inert object has an effect.
 

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