When a particle of rest mass m_o undergoes an increase in its velocity, A)only its mass increases. B)only its kinetic energy increases. C)its mass decreases. D)its mass decreases and its kinetic energy increases. E)both its mass and its kinetic energy increase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the theory of relativity, as the velocity of a particle approaches the speed of light, both its relativistic mass and its kinetic energy increase. The increase in mass is due to the relativistic effects described by Einstein's theory, which states that the mass of an object increases with its velocity. This results in an increase in kinetic energy as well, since kinetic energy is a function of mass and velocity.

When a Particle of Rest Mass Mo Undergoes an Increase

When a Particle of Rest Mass M_o Undergoes an Increase