Escape Velocity from Relativistic Sphere: Derivation & Intuition

In summary, the escape velocity from a spherical object moving at a velocity v~c with respect to its rest frame is not affected by relativistic mass. This is explained in an Insights article on the concept of relativistic mass and why it is not commonly used. Changing the frame of reference does not alter the amount of energy needed to escape Earth's gravity.
  • #1
Dilema
37
1
Can you please direct me to ref that shows the derivation of the escape velocity from a spherical object that moves in velocity v~c with respect to rest frame?

I suspect the escape velocity is increasing (intuitively since the mass increases).

Please comment and suggest alternatives.
 
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  • #2
Dilema said:
I suspect the escape velocity is increasing (intuitively since the mass increases).
No, because relativistic mass doesn't work that way. We have an Insights article that you'll want to read: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/what-is-relativistic-mass-and-why-it-is-not-used-much/

The escape velocity, as measured by an observer moving along with the object, is exactly what it would be if the object were at rest (as it is in fact at rest relative to that observer).
 
  • #3
Also, a frame is just a point of view. You can't change how much energy is needed to escape Earth's gravity just by changing point of view. Otherwise you could have frames where the Voyager probes didn't have enough fuel to generate escape velocity, but leave the solar system anyway.
 

Related to Escape Velocity from Relativistic Sphere: Derivation & Intuition

1. What is escape velocity from a relativistic sphere?

The escape velocity from a relativistic sphere is the minimum velocity that an object needs to escape the gravitational pull of a massive sphere, taking into account the effects of both special and general relativity.

2. How is escape velocity from a relativistic sphere calculated?

The escape velocity from a relativistic sphere is calculated using the formula V = √(2GM/Rc²), where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the sphere, R is the radius of the sphere, and c is the speed of light.

3. What is the intuition behind the derivation of escape velocity from a relativistic sphere?

The derivation of escape velocity from a relativistic sphere takes into account the effects of time dilation and length contraction due to the high speeds involved. It also considers the fact that the escape velocity must be greater than the speed of light for an object to escape the gravitational pull of a relativistic sphere.

4. Can the escape velocity from a relativistic sphere be greater than the speed of light?

No, the escape velocity from a relativistic sphere cannot be greater than the speed of light. This is because objects with a velocity greater than the speed of light would violate the laws of physics.

5. How does the escape velocity from a relativistic sphere compare to the escape velocity from a non-relativistic sphere?

The escape velocity from a relativistic sphere is slightly higher than the escape velocity from a non-relativistic sphere, due to the additional effects of time dilation and length contraction. This means that it would require more energy for an object to escape the gravitational pull of a relativistic sphere compared to a non-relativistic one.

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