Relativistic Momentum

p = \gamma mv = \frac{mv}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}

Momentum in special relativity, which increases without bound as velocity approaches c.

Variables

Relativistic momentum

kg·m/s

Lorentz factor

Allowed values: 1 or more

unitless

Rest mass

Allowed values: greater than 0

Velocity

m/s

Speed of light

Allowed values: greater than 0

m/s

Your notes

0/5000

Constants in this formula

Speed of Light in Vacuum

299,792,458. Exact by definition.

m/s

Other modern physics formulas with the same quantities

Relativistic Total Energy (Special Relativity) shares Lorentz factor, Rest mass, Speed of light
Relativistic Kinetic Energy (Special Relativity) shares Lorentz factor, Rest mass, Speed of light
Proper Time (Special Relativity) shares Lorentz factor, Velocity, Speed of light
Time Dilation (Special Relativity) shares Lorentz factor, Speed of light
Length Contraction (Special Relativity) shares Lorentz factor, Speed of light
Mass-Energy Equivalence (Special Relativity) shares Rest mass, Speed of light

Where this formula is listed

Modern Physics formulas, under Special Relativity, alongside Relativistic Velocity Addition, Relativistic Doppler Effect and Relativity of Simultaneity.
In the modern physics list it comes after Length Contraction and before Mass-Energy Equivalence.
Modern Physics formula sheet, one of 41 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.

Common questions

What is the Relativistic Momentum formula?

Relativistic Momentum is written p = γmv = mv/√(1 − v²/c²). Momentum in special relativity, which increases without bound as velocity approaches c. It belongs to Modern Physics, under Special Relativity.

What are the units in p = γmv = mv/√(1 − v²/c²)?

In SI units, p is relativistic momentum, measured in kg·m/s; γ is lorentz factor (dimensionless); m is rest mass, measured in kg; v is velocity, measured in m/s; c is speed of light, measured in m/s.