Lesson: Relativistic Kinetic Energy Physics • 9th Grade

In this lesson, we will learn how to calculate the relativistic kinetic energy of massive objects moving relative to an observer.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

use in all permutations,
use units of eV/ for masses,
interpret graphs of relativistic kinetic energy against ,
realize that in order for an object to be accelerated to the speed of light, it would have to be given an infinite amount of energy.

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

The graph shows the kinetic energy, , against the speed, , of two objects, and . The relativistic kinetic energy of object is shown by the red line, whereas the classical kinetic energy of object is shown by the blue line. Object has a rest mass and object has a rest mass . The speed of light, , is defined to be 1.

Which object has a greater rest mass?

At a speed of , the classical kinetic energy of object has the same value as the relativistic kinetic energy of object . The formula can be used to work out the rest mass of object from the rest mass of object , where . If kg, what is the rest mass of object ?

Q2:

A proton is accelerated in a linear particle accelerator to a speed of . The rest mass of a proton is kg. What is the relativistic kinetic energy of the proton? Ignore Earth’s gravity. Give your answer in scientific notation to two decimal places.

Q3:

A spaceship moves at a speed of relative to Earth. The rest mass of the spaceship is 200,000 kg. What is the relativistic kinetic energy of the spaceship in the rest frame of Earth? The spaceship is far enough away from Earth such that the effect of Earth’s gravity can be ignored. Give your answer in scientific notation to two decimal places.