Relativistic Dynamics
PHYS 401 · Module 4
This module updates momentum, energy, and particle dynamics for speeds near light. Students study relativistic momentum, kinetic energy, rest energy, the energy-momentum relation, and massless particles.
Lessons in this module
Relativistic momentum
Relativistic momentum preserves conservation laws in all inertial frames. This lesson introduces $ ec{p}=gamma m ec{v}$ and compares it with classical momentum.
Kinetic energy and rest energy
Relativity changes the relationship between energy and motion. This lesson introduces rest energy, total energy, relativistic kinetic energy, and the meaning of $E=mc^2$.
The energy-momentum relation
Energy and momentum combine into an invariant relationship. This lesson develops $E^2=p^2c^2+m^2c^4$ and shows how it connects massive and massless particles.
Massless particles (photons)
Photons have zero rest mass but carry energy and momentum. This lesson explains photon energy, momentum, radiation pressure, and why massless particles travel at light speed.
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