Relativistic Kill Vehicle - Calculating Energy Content

Calculating Energy Content

Newton's formula for kinetic energy, given as, is only an approximation for the kinetic energy of an object, reasonably accurate for speeds well below c, approximately 3 × 108 m s−1. For higher speeds, Einstein's formula for kinetic energy, Ek, must be used.

Where:
m is the object's mass in kg,
c is the speed of light in m s−1,
is the Lorentz factor, given by:

Where v is the velocity of the object in question.

Therefore, expanded the equation is:

Read more about this topic:  Relativistic Kill Vehicle

Famous quotes containing the words calculating, energy and/or content:

    Sin in this country has been always said to be rather calculating than impulsive.
    Frank Moore Colby (1865–1925)

    Three elements go to make up an idea. The first is its intrinsic quality as a feeling. The second is the energy with which it affects other ideas, an energy which is infinite in the here-and-nowness of immediate sensation, finite and relative in the recency of the past. The third element is the tendency of an idea to bring along other ideas with it.
    Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914)

    Strange that so few ever come to the woods to see how the pine lives and grows and spires, lifting its evergreen arms to the light,—to see its perfect success; but most are content to behold it in the shape of many broad boards brought to market, and deem that its true success! But the pine is no more lumber than man is, and to be made into boards and houses is no more its true and highest use than the truest use of a man is to be cut down and made into manure.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)