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In physics, relativistic mechanics refers to mechanics compatible with special relativity (SR) and general relativity (GR). It provides a non- quantum mechanical description of a system of particles, or of a fluid , in cases where the velocities of moving objects are comparable to the speed of light c .
The relativistic Lagrangian can be derived in relativistic mechanics to be of the form: = (˙) (, ˙,). Although, unlike non-relativistic mechanics, the relativistic Lagrangian is not expressed as difference of kinetic energy with potential energy, the relativistic Hamiltonian corresponds to total energy in a similar manner but without including rest energy.
Relativistic quantum mechanics (RQM) is quantum mechanics applied with special relativity. Although the earlier formulations, like the Schrödinger picture and Heisenberg picture were originally formulated in a non-relativistic background, a few of them (e.g. the Dirac or path-integral formalism) also work with special relativity.
The defining feature of special relativity is the replacement of the Galilean transformations of classical mechanics by the Lorentz transformations. (See Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism .) General relativity
Special relativity corrects the hitherto laws of mechanics to handle situations involving all motions and especially those at a speed close to that of light (known as relativistic velocities). Today, special relativity is proven to be the most accurate model of motion at any speed when gravitational and quantum effects are negligible.
The special theory of relativity enjoys a relationship with electromagnetism and mechanics; that is, the principle of relativity and the principle of stationary action in mechanics can be used to derive Maxwell's equations, [7] [8] and vice versa.
The development of non-relativistic quantum mechanics in the early twentieth century preserved the Newtonian concept of time in the Schrödinger equation. The ability of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and special relativity to successfully describe observations motivated efforts to extend quantum concepts to the relativistic domain.
General relativity differs from classical mechanics in a number of predictions concerning orbiting bodies. It predicts an overall rotation ( precession ) of planetary orbits, as well as orbital decay caused by the emission of gravitational waves and effects related to the relativity of direction.