The concept of relativistic mass brings a consistency and simplicity to the teaching of special relativity to introductory students. For example, E=mc2 then expresses the beautifully simplifying equivalence of mass and energy. Those who claim not to use relativistic mass actually do so—if not by name—when considering systems of particles or photons. Relativistic mass does not depend on the angle between force and velocity—this supposed dependence results from incorrect use of Newton’s second law of motion.

Relativistic mass simplifies special relativity teaching and simplifies the equivalence of mass and energy, making it a consistent and simple concept for introductory students.

Paper

In defense of relativistic mass

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