A relativistic collision question.

In summary, the conversation discusses an elastic head-on collision between a projectile and a stationary target in both the lab frame and center of mass frame. The only effect of the collision is to reverse the three-momentum of each particle, but the masses of the particles remain unchanged. To prove this relativistically, one can use 4-vectors and show that the invariant mass is an invariant under Lorentz transformations.
  • #1
iacephysics
33
0
This is a question on special relativity from Taylor's Classical Mechanics.
Consider an elastic head-on collision between a projectile, with mass m1 and velocity v1, and a stationary target of mass m2. So, in the lab frame, the target m2 is at initially at rest and mass m1 moves toward it with v1. In the center of mass frame, m1 and m2 move toward each other with equal and opposite momentum. Taylor says the only effect of the collision is to reverse the three-momentum of each particle (in CM frame), which means m1's mass is still m1, and m2's mass is still m2, there is no change of the particle's mass. How do you prove this relativistically?
 
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  • #2
Well i would show that the invariant mass is an invariant with respect to lorentz transfomation, and use 4vectors.
 

What is a relativistic collision?

A relativistic collision is a type of collision that occurs between two objects at speeds close to the speed of light. In this type of collision, the kinetic energy of the objects is converted into mass, and the laws of physics change due to the objects' high velocities.

What is the difference between a relativistic and a non-relativistic collision?

In a non-relativistic collision, the objects involved have velocities much lower than the speed of light, and the laws of classical mechanics can be applied to calculate the outcome of the collision. In a relativistic collision, the objects' velocities are close to the speed of light, and the laws of classical mechanics are no longer valid. Instead, the laws of special relativity must be used.

How do you calculate the energy of a relativistic collision?

The energy of a relativistic collision can be calculated using the equation E = mc², where E is the energy, m is the mass, and c is the speed of light. In a relativistic collision, the kinetic energy of the objects is converted into mass, so the total energy of the system is equal to the sum of the objects' rest energies.

What is the importance of studying relativistic collisions?

Studying relativistic collisions is crucial for understanding the behavior of objects at high speeds and the fundamental laws of physics. This type of collision has applications in fields such as particle physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics, where objects often move at close to the speed of light.

How does the mass change in a relativistic collision?

In a relativistic collision, the mass of the objects involved increases due to their high velocities. This increase in mass is known as relativistic mass, and it is a result of the objects' kinetic energy being converted into mass. As the speed of the objects approaches the speed of light, their mass approaches infinity.

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