4 Momentum and 4 velocity relationship

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SUMMARY

The relationship between momentum and velocity in relativistic physics is clarified through the equations P = (E/c, p) and U = (γc, γv). The confusion arises from the distinction between relativistic three-momentum and Newtonian three-momentum. Specifically, the three-momentum p is defined as p = γmv, where γ is the Lorentz factor. This resolves the apparent discrepancy in the equations presented in textbooks.

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  • Understanding of relativistic physics concepts
  • Familiarity with Lorentz transformations
  • Knowledge of three-momentum in physics
  • Basic grasp of energy-momentum relation
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  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz factor (γ) in special relativity
  • Explore the energy-momentum relation in detail
  • Learn about relativistic dynamics and its implications
  • Investigate the differences between classical and relativistic momentum
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on special relativity, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to momentum and energy in relativistic contexts.

bayners123
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<br /> P = \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

and

<br /> U = \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> \gamma c<br /> \\ \gamma \bar{v}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

right? But I frequently see in textbooks that P = m_0 U. Surely,
m_0 U = <br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> \gamma m_0 c<br /> \\ \gamma m_0 \bar{v}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br /> =<br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \gamma \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br /> \neq<br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

So how does this work?
Yours confusedly
 
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bayners123 said:
<br /> P = \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

and

<br /> U = \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> \gamma c<br /> \\ \gamma \bar{v}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

right? But I frequently see in textbooks that P = m_0 U. Surely,
m_0 U = <br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> \gamma m_0 c<br /> \\ \gamma m_0 \bar{v}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br /> =<br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \gamma \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br /> \neq<br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

So how does this work?
Yours confusedly

The p in (E/c,p) is three momentum but it is still relativistic three momentum not Newtonian 3-momentum. Thus p=γmv, and your confusion is resolved.
 
PAllen said:
The p in (E/c,p) is three momentum but it is still relativistic three momentum not Newtonian 3-momentum. Thus p=γmv, and your confusion is resolved.

Ah, thanks
 

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