Calculating Four-Velocity and Four-Momentum Using Schutz's Method

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In summary, the conversation discusses the components of the four-velocity and four-momentum of a particle moving with velocity v in the x direction. The four-velocity vector is defined as e0 and its components are (1, 0, 0, 0) in the rest frame. The components in a moving frame can be found by applying a Lorentz transformation.
  • #1
schwarzschild
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From Schutz's A First Course in General Relativity

"A particle of rest mass m moves with velocity v in the x direction of frame O. What are the components of the four-velocity and four-momentum?"

By definition [tex] \vec{U} = \vec{e}_{\bar{0} [/tex]

However, I don't see how he gets [tex] U^{\alpha} = \Lambda^{\alpha}_{\bar{\beta}}(\vec{e}_{\bar{0}})^{\bar{\beta}} = \Lambda^{\alpha}_{\bar{0}} [/tex]

Where [tex] \vec{U} [/tex] is the four-velocity vector, and [tex] U^{\alpha} [/tex] are its components.
 
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  • #2
Does it help to write it all out explicity as a matrix equation?

[tex]\begin{bmatrix}
\gamma & \beta \gamma & 0 & 0\\
\beta \gamma & \gamma & 0 & 0\\
0 & 0 & 1 & 0\\
0 & 0 & 0 & 1
\end{bmatrix}

\begin{bmatrix}1\\ 0\\ 0\\ 0\end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix}\gamma\\ \beta \gamma \\ 0\\ 0 \end{bmatrix}[/tex]

where

[tex]\beta = \frac{v}{c}[/tex]

and

[tex]\gamma = \left ( 1 - \beta^2 \right )^{-1/2}.[/tex]

The components of [itex]U^\alpha[/itex] in reference frame O are the entries of the first column of the transformation matrix.
 
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  • #3
schwarzschild said:
From Schutz's A First Course in General Relativity

"A particle of rest mass m moves with velocity v in the x direction of frame O. What are the components of the four-velocity and four-momentum?"

By definition [tex] \vec{U} = \vec{e}_{\bar{0} [/tex]

However, I don't see how he gets [tex] U^{\alpha} = \Lambda^{\alpha}_{\bar{\beta}}(\vec{e}_{\bar{0}})^{\bar{\beta}} = \Lambda^{\alpha}_{\bar{0}} [/tex]

Where [tex] \vec{U} [/tex] is the four-velocity vector, and [tex] U^{\alpha} [/tex] are its components.

In the reference frame in which the mass is at rest, its four-velocity is simply e0, i.e. the components are (1, 0, 0, 0). Now all you have to do is find the components of this same vector in a reference frame which is moving in the opposite direction with speed v. This is done by applying an appropriate Lorentz transformation.
 
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  • #4
Thanks for the help guys! I completely understand it in matrix form - for some reason I struggle with Einstein notation.
 

What is four-velocity?

Four-velocity is a four-dimensional vector that describes the velocity of an object in four-dimensional spacetime. It includes the three components of regular velocity (x, y, z) as well as a time component (t).

What is momentum?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion and is defined as the product of its mass and velocity. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

How are four-velocity and momentum related?

Four-velocity and momentum are related through the relativistic momentum equation, which states that the magnitude of an object's momentum is equal to its mass multiplied by its four-velocity. In other words, momentum is a component of four-velocity.

What is the difference between four-velocity and regular velocity?

Four-velocity is a four-dimensional vector that includes a time component, while regular velocity is a three-dimensional vector that does not include time. In other words, four-velocity takes into account an object's motion in both space and time.

Why is the concept of four-velocity important in physics?

The concept of four-velocity is important in physics because it allows us to accurately describe the motion of objects in four-dimensional spacetime, as predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity. It also helps us understand the relationship between momentum and energy, and how they change in different frames of reference.

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