It is known that as an object accelerates, its relative mass increases, so that brings up a question.

If an object was moving at 99% of the speed of light, would the relativistic mass have any affect on the gravitational field of the object?

If so, what would be the impact on the local gravitational field at this point?

It is known that as an object accelerates, its relative mass increases, so that brings up a question.

If an object was moving at 99% of the speed of light, would the relativistic mass have any affect on the gravitational field of the object?

Yes, but there’s been some debate over the notion of “relativistic mass” itself: see the Usenet Physics FAQ on the subject. At any rate, according to general relativity the mass-equivalent of energy, whatever it may be called, gravitates. An object passing you at 0.99c would appear to exert about seven times the gravitational force that it would if at rest.

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It is known that as an object accelerates, its relative mass increases, so that brings up a question.

If an object was moving at 99% of the speed of light, would the relativistic mass have any affect on the gravitational field of the object?

If so, what would be the impact on the local gravitational field at this point?

Jeff,

Interesting question--
I'll answer with a a related question. Each planet in the universe is moving --moving relative to many frames of reference--We are moving in orbit around the sun. The sun is moving around the galaxy. The galaxy is also moving.

So my question is if we are moving fast (and we are) and this motion affects our gravitational field then how can there be a universal gravitational constant (which there is) ? Is the infinite mass at near light speed really mass in the sense of Newton's equation or is it only to reflect the force (energy) required to go a little faster as a consequence of Einstein's Special Relativity.

Bill

My head hurts.

* MUST remind myself not to look in here *

A few beers help!

For some real fun heavy-weight nightmares, take a look on this thread! I'm still gravitating on that one from months ago!!

Cheers,
Martin

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... An object passing you at 0.99c would appear to exert about seven times the gravitational force that it would if at rest.

I wonder if e@h would 'see' that one for sure?!

Keep searchin',
Martin

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See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)