How to Prove Mass Invariance in Relativistic Collisions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving mass invariance in relativistic collisions, specifically an elastic head-on collision involving a projectile with mass m1 and velocity v1 colliding with a stationary target of mass m2. In the lab frame, the target is initially at rest, while in the center of mass frame, both masses exhibit equal and opposite momentum. According to Taylor's Classical Mechanics, the collision reverses the three-momentum of each particle without altering their respective masses. The proof involves demonstrating that the invariant mass remains unchanged under Lorentz transformations using four-vectors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity concepts
  • Familiarity with elastic collisions in physics
  • Knowledge of Lorentz transformations
  • Proficiency in using four-vectors in relativistic physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of invariant mass in special relativity
  • Learn about Lorentz transformations and their applications
  • Explore the concept of four-momentum and its significance
  • Investigate elastic collision equations in different reference frames
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and researchers interested in advanced topics in special relativity and relativistic mechanics.

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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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Well i would show that the invariant mass is an invariant with respect to lorentz transfomation, and use 4vectors.
 

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