Relativistic Energy: Explained

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SUMMARY

Relativistic energy refers to the total energy of an object as defined by the equation E = K + E0, where K is kinetic energy and E0 is rest mass energy. This concept is crucial when analyzing systems across different inertial frames, particularly for high-speed particles. The total energy can also be expressed as W = E + U, where U accounts for potential energy in a given field. The relationship between relativistic energy and momentum is defined by the equation E = √((pc)² + (mc)²), highlighting the dependence of energy on both momentum and mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lorentz transformation
  • Familiarity with kinetic and rest mass energy concepts
  • Basic knowledge of momentum in physics
  • Awareness of potential energy in various fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Lorentz transformation and its implications in relativistic physics
  • Explore the derivation and applications of the equation E = √((pc)² + (mc)²)
  • Investigate the relationship between energy, momentum, and reference frames
  • Learn about the role of potential energy in relativistic systems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in advanced concepts of energy and momentum in relativistic contexts.

Honorable_Death
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can anyone explain to me wha relativistic is?
 
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Honorable_Death said:
can anyone explain to me wha relativistic is?

It means "obeying the Lorentz transformation" which is necessary if your physics covers different inertial frames (as for example, a fast moving subatomic particle and a lab apparatus assumed at rest). This means that energy depends on relative speed.
 
wow sorry i don't no what was wit me when i wrote that forum, but what i ment to ask was can anyone explain to me what relativistic energy is?
 
Honorable_Death said:
wow sorry i don't no what was wit me when i wrote that forum, but what i ment to ask was can anyone explain to me what relativistic energy is?
Seems to me that when someone is using that term they are referring to the sum of kinetic energy + rest mass energy.

Pete
 
That's just energy isn't it?
 
El Hombre Invisible said:
That's just energy isn't it?
Energy (sometimes referred to as "total energy") is an undefined quantity. Its a number associated with a system and this number is a constant. Energy is made up of various forms of energy each of which are well defined. One form is kinetic energy, one is mass-energy, one is potential energy etc. The quantity

E = K + E0

may be what you're thinking of as "relativistic energy." I can't say for sure because I don't know where you got this term. These terms can have different meanings between different authors. I refer to E as "inertial energy." The quantity W defined as

W = E + U

where U is a function of the position of the particle. W is referred to as the total energy of the particle in, say, and electric field. I don't recall ever seening the term "relativistic energy" anywhere. However I've read so much I may have forgotten I've seen it.

Pete
 
Last edited:
Relativistic energy due to observable differences in total energy due to differing reference frames. The total energy of an object is given by the root of (pc)^2 + (mc)^2, so relativistic energy is dependent on momentum, which may change frame to frame.
 
El Hombre Invisible said:
Relativistic energy due to observable differences in total energy due to differing reference frames. The total energy of an object is given by the root of (pc)^2 + (mc)^2, so relativistic energy is dependent on momentum, which may change frame to frame.
That's true so long as the body is not under stress and has zero potential of position.

Pete
 

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