MathLiveRelativistic energy-momentum relation
This relation links a particle's energy, momentum and rest mass, and it holds exactly for particles on the mass shell, meaning those satisfying the classical equations of motion. It is used throughout special relativity and particle physics to check whether a particle's energy and momentum are consistent with its mass.
E^2 - |\vec{p}|^2 c^2 = m^2 c^4What the symbols mean
| total energy of the particle (J) | |
| momentum vector of the particle (kg\,m\,s^{-1}) | |
| speed of light in vacuum (m\,s^{-1}) | |
| rest mass of the particle (kg) |
About this formula
- FieldPhysics
- TopicSpecial relativity
- LevelUniversity
- Also calledmass-shell relation, on-shell condition, energy momentum mass relation, relativistic energy squared formula, on shell condition particle physics, invariant mass relation
- SourceWikidata Q1132926
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