Relativistic Momentum and Energy


Momentum and energy is always conserved.

p= γmo v, where p is the relativistic momentum, v is the speed of the particle and mo is its mass as measured by an observer at rest with respect to the particle.

Rest energy, Eo = moc2

Total energy, E = γmoc2

Kinetic energy, KE = γmoc2 – moc2

∆E = ∆mc2

E = γEo

K.E = (γ – 1)Eo

E2 = p2c2 + (moc2)2


For particles that have zero mass, such as protons, mo = 0, E = pc

1 eV = 1.602 x 10-19 J

1 eV : energy required to accelerate an e- through a potential difference of 1 volt.

1 u = 1.66 x 10-27 J

Back To Special Relativity


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