: : As v --> c a massive objects energy asymptotically approaches infinity. This is how all pop science books explain why nothing can reach the speed of light. Although they usually (and incorrectly) describe this as an increase relativistic mass.

interesting; however I assume (v --> c) means as velocity approaches 'c'?

why is it that massive objects energy is infinite? does it deal with gravitational time dilation in relation to its rest energy?

and why is it that it is incorrect to relate this to an increase in relativistic mass? I do realize that in an ideal example that mass does not truly increase, but I thought it was just that; it was relativistic... Its mass appears from outside reference to increase. (due to factors such as lorentz contraction approaching apparent zero length.)

back to my original question. I've seen it written before that it is theoretically possible for an object to attain a kinetic energy greater than its rest energy... now, for me this contradicts many laws including the light barrier. It seems that if it was possible to reach an objects rest energy via kinetic it would have a relativistic mass of infinity. am I correct?

• Re: Oops - RFL - November 8, 1998 - 22:52 UTC
  • Actually - RFL - November 8, 1998 - 23:02 UTC