What Determines Relativistic Momentum: Mass or Velocity?

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SUMMARY

Relativistic momentum is determined by both mass and velocity, as established by the formula momentum = mv/√(1 - v²/c²). The discussion clarified that while mass and velocity are interconnected, both are essential for calculating relativistic momentum. The misconception that momentum depends solely on mass was addressed, emphasizing the importance of understanding the relationship between mass and velocity in relativistic contexts. This distinction is crucial for students preparing for physics examinations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic physics concepts
  • Familiarity with the formula for relativistic momentum
  • Knowledge of the relationship between mass and velocity
  • Basic grasp of high school-level physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the relativistic momentum formula
  • Explore the implications of relativistic mass versus rest mass
  • Learn about the effects of velocity on momentum in different frames of reference
  • Investigate practical applications of relativistic momentum in particle physics
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High school physics students, educators teaching relativistic concepts, and anyone interested in the fundamentals of momentum in physics.

Shark 774
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In a practice exam I just did for my upcoming high school mid-year, there was a multiple choice question and the two answers that seemed plausable were "relativistic momentum depends on the mass and velocity of the object" or "relativistic momentum depends only on the mass of the object". I chose the second one with the reasoning that mass and velocity are intertwined and one increases so does the other, so if you know the relativistic mass (and the rest mass) you can easily work out the momentum. I think it's a bit of a stupid question really, but they gave their answer as the first one, not the second one. What do you guys reckon? Just a technicality or is it something worth knowing/worrying about?
 
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Hi Shark 774! :smile:

Momentum is mov/√(1 - v2/c2)

which you can also write as mrelativsiticv …

either way, it depends on both mass and velocity. :redface:​
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi Shark 774! :smile:

Momentum is mov/√(1 - v2/c2)

which you can also write as mrelativsiticv …

either way, it depends on both mass and velocity. :redface:​

Ok thanks!
 

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