Relativistic Kinetic Energy
The work required to accelerate a massive particle from rest to a relativistic velocity v.
Governing formula
E_k = (γ - 1) m₀ c² = E_total - m₀ c²
SI unit
Joules or MeV / GeV
In depth
At low speeds (v ≪ c), Taylor expansion yields classical kinetic energy ½ m₀ v². As velocity approaches c, relativistic kinetic energy grows without limit.
Examples in the real world
Subatomic particle kinetic energies in cosmic rays reaching 10²⁰ eV, far exceeding rest mass energies.