16/01/2013

Mass-Energy Equivalence • Einstein concluded total energy for an object with a

rest mass moving with a speed v is equal to:
• Relativistic mass of an object varies with the inertial
reference frames in which the mass and an
observer are located. Relativistic mass is given by:

• If the speed (v=0) this simplifies to Einstein’s

famous rest mass equation.

• Conservation of mass-energy: is the principle that

rest mass and energy are equivalent.

• When an object is moving the total energy is ex #1: A proton moves with a speed of 0.800 c
greater than the rest energy. As a result, the through a particle accelerator. In the accelerator’s
relativistic kinetic energy of an object can be frame of reference, calculate (a) the total energy
given by: and (b) kinetic energy of the proton in MeV.

ex #2: An asteroid has a mass of 2500 kg has a

relativistic kinetic energy of 1.5 x 1020J. Calculate
the speed of the asteroid.