Special Relativity Length, Momentum, and Energy

Length Contraction

Relativistic Momentum

When objects reach relativistic speeds, they act as if their mass was being pushed toward infinity. So we use the term “rest mass” which is the mass of the object with v=0. Subatomic particles are routinely pushed near the speed of light, so we use relativistic momentum to describe their motion

Equivalence of Mass and Energy

Two important points: Even at rest, an object has energy, which is locked in its mass As the speed of an object approaches the speed of light, both its momentum and its energy approach infinity. Therefore there is no way that the speed of light can be reached.

The Correspondence Principle The theory of special relativity satisfies older theories of mechanics, such as those of Newton. When v << c, all of the equations introduced to you return to what you learned in 1 st quarter

Video Then uhh pg 241: 1, 5, 6, 14, 16 There is also an extra credit handout. Get it to me before April 4th