Relativistic energy is intentionally defined so that it will be conserved in all inertial frames, just as is the case for relativistic momentum. Relativistically, energy is still conserved, provided its definition is altered to include the possibility of mass changing to energy, as in the reactions that occur within a nuclear reactor. We know that classically the total amount of energy in a system remains constant.
Not only does energy have many important forms, but each form can be converted to any other. Nuclear reactors are proof of the conservation of relativistic energy.Ĭonservation of energy is one of the most important laws in physics. Accomplishing this requires an understanding of relativistic energy. (credit: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory)Ī tokamak is a form of experimental fusion reactor, which can change mass to energy. In this process, a relatively small mass of fuel is converted into a large amount of energy. Figure 28.20 The National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) has a fusion reactor in which hydrogen isotopes undergo fusion to produce helium.
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