Center of mass of a system of two photons

In summary, The center of mass of a system made of two photons can be calculated by solving Lorentz's transformation equations in the laboratory frame. The center of momentum refers to a frame in which the total momentum of both particles is zero (p=0). In the center of mass frame, the photons have the same energies and fly in opposite directions, always equidistant from the center.
  • #1
kthouz
193
0
How can one calculate the center of mass of a system made of two photons? I know that they have zero rest mass so the first intuition is to say that they do not have any center of mass. However, I read about something called center of momentum which is defined as a frame in which a moving particle is at rest. So, if it is possible to have a center of momentum of a system of two photons, how can the center of mass of this system be defined?
 
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  • #2
In their centre of mass frame they both have the same energies and fly in opposite directions, always equidistant from the centre.
Just solve appropriate Lorentz's transformation equations to find the centre of mass in laboratory frame if your photons have different energies.
 
  • #3
"Center of momentum" simply means p=0, where p is the total momentum of both particles.
 

1. What is the concept of center of mass in physics?

The center of mass of a system is a point that represents the average position of all the mass in the system. It is the point at which the system can be considered to be balanced, with equal mass on either side.

2. How is the center of mass of a system of two photons calculated?

The center of mass of a system of two photons can be calculated using the following formula:
C = (m1x1 + m2x2) / (m1 + m2), where C is the center of mass, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two photons, and x1 and x2 are their respective positions.

3. Does the center of mass of a system of two photons change over time?

No, the center of mass of a system of two photons remains constant over time, as long as there are no external forces acting on the system.

4. How does the center of mass of a system of two photons affect its motion?

The center of mass of a system of two photons is the point around which the system's motion is balanced. This means that if the system experiences a force, it will move in such a way that the center of mass remains in the same position.

5. Can a system of two photons have a negative center of mass?

No, the center of mass of a system of two photons cannot be negative. It is always a positive value representing the average position of the mass in the system.

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