How to Derive Relative Velocity from 4-Momentum Invariants?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the relative velocity of a particle with 4-momentum ##P_p## as observed by an observer with 4-momentum ##P_o## using the invariant ##P_p.P_o##. The equations used include ##P_p = m_p\gamma(u_p, ic)## and ##P_o = m_o\gamma(u_o, ic)##, where ##\gamma## represents the Lorentz factor. The participant successfully derived the expression ##P_p.P_o = m_pm_o\gamma(-c^2)## in the observer's rest frame, noting that ##\gamma## equals 1 for the observer. The key conclusion is that the relative velocity can be determined by solving the invariant expression in terms of the particle's mass, observer's mass, and the speed of light.

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  • Understanding of 4-momentum in special relativity
  • Familiarity with Lorentz transformations and the Lorentz factor ##\gamma##
  • Knowledge of invariant quantities in relativistic physics
  • Basic concepts of particle physics and reference frames
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scottJH
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Homework Statement



In a particular frame of reference a particle with 4-momentum ##P_p## is observed by an observer moving with 4-momentum ##P_o##. Derive an expression for the speed of the particle relative to the observer in terms of the invariant ##P_p.P_o##

I am completely stuck on this question. Any help would be appreciated.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I used the equations

##P_p = m_p\gamma(u_p, ic)##

and

##P_o = m_o\gamma(u_o, ic)##

I tried to obtain ##P_p.P_o## in the rest frame of the observer and obtained

##P_p.P_o = m_pm_o\gamma(-c^2)## where ##\gamma## is in terms of ##u_p##

This is because ##\gamma## in terms of ##u_o## is equal to 1 in the rest frame of the observer

I'm pretty sure that my answer is incorrect. However even if it is correct I am unsure how I would be able to determine the relative velocity from it.
 
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scottJH said:
I tried to obtain ##P_p.P_o## in the rest frame of the observer and obtained

##P_p.P_o = m_pm_o\gamma(-c^2)## where ##\gamma## is in terms of ##u_p##

This is because ##\gamma## in terms of ##u_o## is equal to 1 in the rest frame of the observer

The ##\gamma## here is based on the relative velocity between the observer and the particle (which in the rest frame of the observer happens to be the same as the velocity of the particle in that frame). Since you have expressed the invariant in terms of invariants (##m_p##, ##m_o## and ##c##) and the relative velocity ##v## (through ##\gamma##) you can solve this equation to find the relative velocity.
 

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