Week+Four

Discussion Question:

Is Light Matter ? According to quantum theory, the physical phenomenon known as light can be described as having a dual nature: it behaves equally as both wave and particle. Matter also manifests itself as particles. But particles of matter have mass, while light particles do not. Based on this week's readings and your understanding of the properties of light and matter: Is light a form of matter? What's the evidence for this possibility?.

Assignment Relativistic Mass Back on the spaceship from Weeks 2 and 3. . . How fast would the spaceship have to move in order for your [moving] mass to be double your resting mass? What would you see if you stepped on a scale while traveling in your spaceship at this speed? In the last three weeks we have investigated time, length, and mass at very high velocities. Identify the unifying physical principle that ties all three of these investigations together and explain how they are connected.

Use the following equation for relativistic mass to solve this problem and post your answer in the Project Page. Make sure to show how you arrived at your answers. If you need assistance or have any questions please post in the Week 4 Assignment Discussion.

Equation for relativistic mass

m = m' / √ (1 - v 2 /c 2 )

Where: m = the relative mass of a moving object m' = the mass of the object at rest v = the velocity of the object c = the speed of light