Relativistic Mass Calculator
Calculate the relativistic (apparent) mass of an object: m_rel = m0 * gamma = m0 / sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2).
Relativistic Mass
2.293433 kg
Relativistic Mass vs Rest Mass (m0)
Formule
## Relativistic Mass As an object approaches the speed of light, its inertia increases, making further acceleration progressively harder. ### Formula **m_rel = m0 * gamma = m0 / sqrt(1 - v^2/c^2)** Note: Modern physics prefers the concept of invariant (rest) mass. The "relativistic mass" is the total energy divided by c^2, but it is a useful pedagogical tool.
Exemple Résolu
1 kg object at 0.9c.
- 01gamma = 1 / sqrt(1 - 0.81) = 2.294
- 02m_rel = 1 * 2.294 = 2.294 kg
- 03Mass appears 129.4% larger.
Questions Fréquentes
Is relativistic mass a real concept?
Most modern physicists consider rest mass the fundamental quantity. Relativistic mass is an older concept that equals total energy over c squared. The momentum formula p = gamma * m0 * v is preferred.
Why can nothing reach the speed of light?
As v approaches c, gamma approaches infinity, and the energy required to accelerate further grows without bound. Only massless particles (photons) travel at c.
How fast must you go for the mass to double?
Gamma = 2 when v = c * sqrt(3)/2, which is about 0.866c or 259 600 km/s.
Apprendre