Physics A-Level
Relativistic kinetic energy and the Lorentz factor
What Relativistic kinetic energy and the Lorentz factor means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Relativistic kinetic energy and the Lorentz factor
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Reference: AQA
The relativistic expression Eₖ = (γ − 1)mc² fits the experimental data perfectly, while energy increased steeply as v approached c.
Topics that use Relativistic kinetic energy and the Lorentz factor
- Mass and energy (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Atomic mass unit
- Binding energy
- Binding energy per nucleon comparisons
- Breakdown of classical mechanics at relativistic speeds
- Energy release in nuclear reactions
- Energy released per kilogram of fuel
- Energy–mass equivalence
- Fusion and fission
Using Relativistic kinetic energy and the Lorentz factor in the exam
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