Special Theory of Relativity - Lecture-8

Special Theory of Relativity

<< Previous |  Next >>

8. Relativistic Energy :             We have seen that there is a requirement of definition of relativistic linear momentum and similarly one can get the expression of relativistic energy. We can make use of Newton's work-energy theorem. The work done, W on a particle of mass by an external force ‘F' gives rise to gain in its kinetic energy.                                           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      ( 1 )                   or                 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      ( 2 ) Change in kinetic energy      . . .      ( 3 ) By substituting the relativistic expression for  and by writing                                                    . . . . . . . . . .      ( 4 )