PhysRefPhysics reference
Modern Physics
Modern Physics

Relativistic Momentum

p=γmv=mv1−v2c2p = \gamma mv = \frac{mv}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}

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

Variables

p
Relativistic momentum
kg·m/s
\gamma
Lorentz factor
unitless
m
Rest mass
kg
v
Velocity
m/s
c
Speed of light
m/s

Your notes

0/5000

Common questions

What is the Relativistic Momentum formula?

Relativistic Momentum is written p = γmv = frac{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 = frac{mv}{√(1 - v²/c²)}?

In SI units, p is relativistic momentum, measured in kg·m/s; \gamma 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.