PHYSICS 106 | MODERN

PHYSICS FOR HEALTH

SCIENCES

1.a Einstein’s Postulates

1.b Relativity of Simultaneity, Time Intervals
and Length
1.c Relativistic Momentum and Mass

Prepared by:
Angeline Maceda-Atacador, MSc
CHAPTER 1: RELATIVITY

PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES |

So far, we have shown that Time and Length are relative – their
value depends on the reference frame from which they were
observed as Einstein postulated!

Here we expect that other physical quantities also need some

modification such as Momentum, Mass and Energy!

PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | RELATIVITY | RELATIVISTIC MOMENTUM AND MASS
We often call m, the rest mass. Here, we will use the term material
particle for a particle that has a nonzero rest mass. When such a
particle has a velocity 𝒗, its relativistic momentum 𝒑 is

PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | RELATIVITY | RELATIVISTIC MOMENTUM AND MASS
In terms of the Lorentz factor ɣ , the relativistic
momentum 𝒑 can be written as;

PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | RELATIVITY | RELATIVISTIC MOMENTUM AND MASS
When the velocity 𝒗 is very small compared to c, the Lorentz
𝟏
ɣ= =1
factor, 𝟏−
𝒗𝟐 thus, relativistic momentum 𝒑 is just the
𝒄𝟐
Newtonian expression;

𝒑 = 𝑚𝒗

But in general the momentum 𝒑 is greater in magnitude than 𝑚𝒗.

In fact, as 𝒗 approaches c, the momentum 𝒑 approaches infinity.

PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | RELATIVITY | RELATIVISTIC MOMENTUM AND MASS
Example 1.4:
Compare the momentum of an electron when it has a speed of
a. 4.00𝑥107 𝑚/𝑠 in the CRT of a television set, and
b. 0.98𝑐 in an accelerator used for cancer therapy.
Solutions:
Use the formula:
Given:
𝑚𝒗
𝑣 = 4.00𝑥107m/s 𝒑=
𝑣2
𝑐 = 3.00𝑥108 m/s 1− 2
𝑐
𝑚 = 𝑚e
PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | RELATIVITY | RELATIVISTIC MOMENTUM AND MASS
For a. 4.00𝑥107 𝑚/𝑠
Solutions:
By substituting the given values, we’ll arrive to;

𝑚e𝑣
𝒑=
From here, with ɣ = 1.01 it is obvious
(4.00𝑥107m/s) 2
1− that the momentum is only greater of
(3.00𝑥108 m/s) 2

about 1% from the classical value.

𝒑 ≈ 1.01𝑚e𝑣

PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | RELATIVITY | RELATIVISTIC MOMENTUM AND MASS
For b. 0.98𝑐 Solutions:
By substituting the given values, we’ll arrive to;
𝑚e𝑣
𝒑=
(0.98𝐶) 2
1− For electron travelling 98% of the
𝐶 2
speed of light, the ɣ = 5.0, thus the
𝑚e𝑣 momentum is 5 times its classical
𝒑=
1 − 0.982 value.

𝒑 = 5.0𝑚e𝑣

PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | RELATIVITY | RELATIVISTIC MOMENTUM AND MASS
If momentum needs to be modified to fit with Relativity, we expect
ENERGY too would need to be rethought!

PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | RELATIVITY | RELATIVISTIC MOMENTUM AND MASS
Meanwhile, the total ENERGY would be:

when the particle is at rest (K = 0), then E = mc2

PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | RELATIVITY | RELATIVISTIC MOMENTUM AND MASS
PHYSICS 106 | MODERN PHYSICS FOR HEALTH SCIENCES | RELATIVITY | RELATIVISTIC MOMENTUM AND MASS