Free Relativistic Momentum Calculator

Calculate relativistic momentum: p = gamma * m0 * v, the correct momentum at any speed.

kg
m/s

Relativistic Momentum

0.000000000000000000000563635914 kg m/s

Classical Momentum0.000000000000000000000245760820 kg m/s

Relativistic Momentum vs Rest Mass

Relativistic Momentum

Classical momentum (p = mv) is only an approximation at low speeds. The correct formula includes the Lorentz factor.

Formula

p = gamma * m0 * v

As v approaches c, momentum grows without bound even though the velocity barely changes. This is why it takes infinite energy to accelerate a massive particle to c.

Example Calculation

Electron at 0.9c.

  1. 01gamma = 2.294
  2. 02p_rel = 2.294 * 9.109e-31 * 2.698e8
  3. 03p_rel = 5.639e-22 kg m/s
  4. 04p_classical = 9.109e-31 * 2.698e8 = 2.458e-22 kg m/s
  5. 05Relativistic is 2.29x larger

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