Relativistic Kinetic Energy Calculator

Free calculate kinetic energy for objects moving at speeds close to the speed of light using special relativity.

Input Parameters

Enter as fraction of c (e.g., 0.5 for 0.5c)

Results

Enter mass and velocity to calculate

Relativistic Kinetic Energy Formula

Relativistic KE

KE = (γ - 1) × m₀ × c²

Where:

  • • KE = kinetic energy (J)
  • • γ = Lorentz factor
  • • m₀ = rest mass (kg)
  • • c = speed of light

Lorentz Factor

γ = 1 / √(1 - v²/c²)

As v approaches c, γ → ∞ and KE → ∞

Classical Approximation

KE ≈ ½mv² (for v << c)

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