The concept of relativistic mass brings a consistency and simplicity to the teaching of special relativity to introductory students. For example, E=mc2 then expresses the beautifully simplifying equivalence of mass and energy. Those who claim not to use relativistic mass actually do so—if not by name—when considering systems of particles or photons. Relativistic mass does not depend on the angle between force and velocity—this supposed dependence results from incorrect use of Newton’s second law of motion.
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1991 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1991
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
