Relationship between Mass and Speed of Light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between mass (m) and the speed of light (c), particularly in the context of whether there is a connection between them and how mass influences the maximum achievable speed. Participants explore the implications of mass on speed and clarify the nature of massless versus massive particles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks about the relationship between mass and the speed of light and requests a graph.
  • Another participant points out that c is constant across all frames of reference and questions the assumption of a relationship between mass and speed.
  • A participant later clarifies that they meant to ask about the maximum speed achievable, stating that c is only reached when mass is zero.
  • Another participant asserts that massless particles always move at speed c, while massive particles can have speeds ranging from zero to c, indicating no direct relationship as initially suggested.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between mass and speed, with some asserting that no such relationship exists while others seek clarification on the concepts involved. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the initial question posed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential misunderstandings regarding the definitions of mass and speed, particularly in the context of relativistic physics. There are unresolved aspects concerning the interpretation of maximum speed in relation to mass.

Sunanda Goh
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Does anyone know the relationship between m, mass and c, the speed of light ? Can anyone draw the graph for me ? Thanks !
 
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Welcome to PF Sunanda!

I am having difficulty understanding your question. c is constant for all frames of reference. Mass can be anything. What makes you think there is a relationship between them?

AM
 
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Andrew Mason said:
Welcome to PF Sunanda!

I am having difficulty understanding your question. c is constant for all frames of reference. Mass can be anything. What makes you think there is a relationship between them?

AM

Oh ! Sorry for the misleading question ! What i meant, is, C is only achievable when m = 0, and when m increases, how does it affects C ? Hope you can understand my question now. I'm bad at interpreting
 
Okay. I'm changing my question. I'm confused with C just now. What i actually meant is, the maximum speed achievable.
E.g. , when m = 0 , highest v possible = C
 
There's no relationship of the sort that you're looking for. Massless particles move at speed c always; massive particles can move at any speed between zero and c.
 

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