Relativity - running person gains mass

In summary, according to Einstein's mass-energy relation, a person who runs and gains kinetic energy also gains a negligible amount of mass. This is because the energy is already present in the body in the form of chemical energy and is simply being converted into kinetic energy. However, there is still an increase in relativistic mass, which can be significant at higher speeds. Therefore, running may not be an effective method for weight loss.
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recon
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My physics book tells me: "A person who runs, and thus gains kinetic energy, gains mass (albeit negligible) according to Einstein's mass-energy relation."

I do not think that any energy has been gained from 'outside' the system since the kinetic energy is derived from chemical energy that is already in the body prior to the run. So, how can the body have gained mass?
 
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  • #2
You're right. The energy was already there, albeit in different form. All that happened was a conversion from one type to another. The point they're making, as I'm sure you're aware, is that there is an inertial equivalent to energy.

Good thinking.
 
  • #3
And leave us not overlook the immense relativistic mass increase in someone boogying his buns off at 20 kph. So much for jogging to lose weight. :biggrin:
 

What is the theory of relativity?

The theory of relativity is a fundamental concept in physics that explains how objects behave in relation to time and space. It was first developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century and has since been proven to be a fundamental principle in our understanding of the universe.

How does relativity affect a running person's mass?

According to the theory of relativity, when an object is in motion, its mass increases. This is known as relativistic mass or mass-energy equivalence. Therefore, a running person will have a slightly higher mass compared to when they are at rest, but this increase is too small to be noticeable in everyday situations.

What is the formula for calculating relativistic mass?

The formula for calculating relativistic mass is E=mc^2, where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light. This formula was derived by Einstein in his famous theory of special relativity. It explains that mass and energy are two forms of the same thing and can be converted into each other.

Does a person's speed affect their relativistic mass?

Yes, a person's speed does affect their relativistic mass. According to the theory of relativity, the mass of an object increases as its speed approaches the speed of light. This effect is known as "relativistic mass dilation" and is only noticeable at extremely high speeds, such as those near the speed of light.

How does the concept of relativity impact our understanding of the universe?

The theory of relativity has had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe. It has provided a framework for understanding how time, space, and gravity are interconnected and has led to many groundbreaking discoveries in physics and astronomy. It has also played a crucial role in the development of technologies such as GPS and nuclear energy.

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