The most famous equation in the world isn't telling us the whole story! What if an object is actually moving? The narrator introduces momentum into the mix, resulting in the sad truth that traveling at the speed of light is almost, but not quite, possible for bodies with mass. Assigning parts of the equation to sides of a right triangle further illustrates the relationship between energy, mass, momentum, and the speed of light.

Concepts

the speed of light, mass, energy, momentum, photons, right triangles, hypotenuse

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the video to close out a unit on Einstein's theories and energy
• Make the resource hands-on by instructing students to draw a right triangle, label it as per the video, and work along with the narrator

 

Classroom Considerations

• Learners should have prior knowledge of energy, mass, momentum, and the speed of light

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• The use of geometry to express the relationship between the variables provides an excellent visual cue
• Animation makes the concept more relatable for young viewers

Cons

• None