An Introduction to Thermal Physics · Problem A.4

Systems of Interacting Particles — Daniel Schroeder

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · relativistic-energy-momentum

Problem

Use the relativistic definitions of energy and momentum to show that

E = pc

for any particle traveling at the speed of light. (For electromagnetic waves this relation can also be derived from Maxwell's equations, but this is much harder.)

Related theory

Relativistic Momentum Energy

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