Mass is a fundamental concept in physics, but it comes in different forms. Each type helps us understand how objects behave under different forces. In this blog, we’ll explore the main types of mass, including inertial, gravitational, and relativistic mass.
These categories highlight how mass interacts with forces, motion, and speed. Let’s dive into each one to see why they matter in understanding the universe. If you are unsure about what mass is, check out our guide: What is Mass?
Types of mass in physics
These are different types of mass in physics :
- Inertial Mass
- Gravitational Mass
- Realtivistic Mass
- Quantum Mass
Read Our Guide What is a mass in physics?
Inertial Mass
“Inertial mass measures an object’s resistance to acceleration. It reflects how much force is needed to change an object’s velocity.”
SI Unit,
The SI unit for inertial mass is the kilogram (kg).
Formula,
The formula for calculating inertial mass is m=F/a, where F is force, and a is acceleration.
Gravitational Mass
“Gravitational mass measures how strongly an object interacts with a gravitational field. It determines the gravitational force an object experiences and exerts.“
SI Unit,
The unit for gravitational mass is the kilogram (kg).
Formula,
Gravitational mass can be calculated using Newton’s law of gravitation:
F = G⋅m1⋅m2 / r2
Here, F is the gravitational force, G is the gravitational constant (6.67× 10−11 𝑁⋅𝑚2/𝑘𝑔
𝑁⋅𝑚2/𝑘𝑔Realtivistic Mass
“Relativistic mass is the mass of an object in motion relative to an observer. It increases as the object’s speed approaches the speed of light, affecting its momentum and energy.“
SI Unit,
The unit for relativistic mass is the kilogram (kg).
Formula,
Relativistic mass (mrel) is calculated by:
mrel = m0 / √1-(v1/v2)
Here, m0 is the rest mass, v is the object’s velocity, and c is the speed of light. This formula shows how mass increases with speed.
Quantum Mass
“Quantum mass refers to the mass of particles as described in quantum mechanics. It relates to a particle’s behaviour in fields like the Higgs field, which gives particles their mass.“
SI Unit,
The unit for quantum mass is the kilogram (kg).
Formula,
Quantum mass is often derived from equations in quantum field theory, such as the Higgs mechanism or Dirac equation. For elementary particles, mass can be calculated using interactions within the Higgs field, but there is no straightforward formula due to the complex quantum calculations involved.
Dirac Equation
The Dirac Equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes the behaviour of particles like electrons. Formulated by physicist Paul Dirac in 1928, it combines quantum mechanics and special relativity, allowing for a complete understanding of particles with spin-½, such as fermions.
The Dirac Equation is expressed as:
( iℏγμ∂μ − mc )ψ=0
- Here, i is the imaginary unit, ℏ is the reduced Planck’s constant, γμ are Dirac matrices, ∂μ represents partial derivatives, m is the particle’s mass, c is the speed of light, and ψ is the wave function.
This equation predicts particle properties, like magnetic moments, and even anticipated the existence of antimatter. The Dirac Equation remains essential in understanding particle physics and the structure of matter.
Higgs Mechanism
The Higgs Mechanism is a process in particle physics that explains how particles acquire mass. It is a key part of the Standard Model of particle physics, particularly in the context of the Higgs field and the Higgs boson.
According to the Higgs Mechanism, the universe is filled with a field known as the Higgs field. Particles gain mass by interacting with this field. The more strongly a particle interacts with the Higgs field, the more massive it becomes.
- The Higgs boson, discovered in 2012, is a particle associated with the Higgs field.
- The mechanism also explains why some fundamental particles, like the photon, remain massless because they do not interact with the Higgs field.
In simple terms, the Higgs Mechanism provides a way for particles to “pick up” mass through their interaction with the Higgs field. Without this mechanism, particles would remain massless, and the universe would behave very differently.
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