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| | === Classical mechanics === | | === Classical mechanics === |
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| − | When <tt>v</tt>, the speed of the object in question, is low relative to <tt>c</tt>, γ approaches <math>\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-0}} = 1</math>, causing the Einstein-Lorentz relativity equations to be equivalent to Newton's equations. This is why [[classical mechanics, governed by [[Isaac Newton]]'s laws of motion, works for particles at low mass and low speed. However, at higher velocities, γ diverges, causing relativity to be essential. | + | When <math>v</math>, the speed of the object in question, is low relative to <math>c</math>, γ approaches <math>\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-0}} = 1</math>, causing the ''Einstein-Lorentz relativity'' equations to be equivalent to Newton's equations. This is why [[classical mechanics]], governed by [[Isaac Newton]]'s laws of motion, works for [[Subatomic particle|particles]] at low mass and low speed. However, at higher velocities, γ diverges, causing relativity to be essential. |
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| − | Electromagnetism, including for light and gamma radiation, where the quanta (photons) travel at light speed have no rest mass, is always relativistic. | + | Electromagnetism, including for [[light]] and gamma radiation, where the quanta ([[photon]]s) travel at [[Speed of light|light speed]] have no rest mass, is always relativistic. |
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| | ===Universal speed limit === | | ===Universal speed limit === |
| − | At the other extreme, when <tt>v</tt> approaches <tt>c</tt>, γ approaches <math>\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-1}} = \frac{1}{0} = \infty</math>. Since infinite γ means infinite mass, no object can ever reach the speed of light. (Some theorists have postulated hypothetical [[tachyon]]s, which would always travel faster than the speed of light<ref>http://www.math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/ParticleAndNuclear/tachyons.html</ref>. No evidence has been found for them. If they existed, special relativity would mean that they cannot ever travel slower than the speed of light.) | + | At the other extreme, when <math>v</math> approaches <math>c</math>, γ approaches <math>\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-1}} = \frac{1}{0} = \infty</math>. Since infinite γ means infinite mass, no object can ever reach [[Speed of light|the speed of light]]. (Some theorists have postulated hypothetical [[tachyon]]s, which would always travel faster than the speed of light<ref>http://www.math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/ParticleAndNuclear/tachyons.html</ref>. No evidence has been found for them. If they existed, special relativity would mean that they cannot ever travel slower than the speed of light.) |
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| | == Experimental Proofs == | | == Experimental Proofs == |