The discussion revolves around the concept of choosing a rest frame for the center of momentum (CoM) in a system of two photons, within the context of Special Relativity.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the conditions necessary for a CoM frame to exist and questioning the definitions and assumptions involved. Some participants express a desire for qualitative interpretations alongside quantitative analyses.
There is an emphasis on the need for participants to demonstrate their own efforts in approaching the problem, as per forum guidelines. The discussion also highlights the complexity of interpreting the situation involving photons and their momentum.
Based on the thread title, I have moved this thread to the appropriate homework forum.PeroK said:
In my opinion, I think it depends. It could be correct in some situations, like the two photons travel in the opposite direction, it is possible to find a point where the total momentum equals zero, and I think if they travek in other different directions, it also makes sense.PeroK said:
Is this homework? If so, what do you think about it?
Sorry for that, I'm new to PFPeterDonis said:
I'm not sure what you mean by "quantitative interpretations". If it is possible to find the frame you're looking for, a quantitative answer would mean actually finding it--giving an explicit mathematical construction. If it's not possible, a quantitative answer would mean finding a mathematical proof that it's not possible.sHimprinten said:
With an appropriate meaning for the term "between", yes. Can you think of what such a meaning might be? Try thinking in terms of vectors.sHimprinten said: