Solve Momentum to Get Gamma in Relativity Theory

[gunblaze]

I was reading a book on the theory of relativity yesterday and it said that by substituting the equation for momentum (p=mv) into the formula E^2=m^2c^4+p^2c^2..
i will be able to get this E=gamma mc^2..
I was just wondering where they get the "gamma" from? can anyone pls tell me how they get that? Thx
sry, not really good at this.

 

[Pengwuino]

gamme is equal to 1 over the square root of 1-((v^2)/(c^2))

 

[dextercioby]

You need to be careful with the notation.

E^{2}=m^{2}c^{4}+p^{2}c^{2}

and p=\gamma m v.

Daniel.

 

[gunblaze]

p=\gamma m v.

Isn't momentum=mass x velocity?

 

[Pengwuino]

But isn't momentum=mass x velocity?

Not in relativistic physics. Its gamma * mass * velocity as v -> c

 

[gunblaze]

erm.. can we put velocity, v, and speed of light, c, together?
eg: v^{2}c^{2}=c^{4}

 

[gunblaze]

but it sounds ridiculous rite? how can the velocity be equal to the speed of light?

 

[gunblaze]

k.. guys, i get it alr..thx thanks so much!