Momentum Conservation in Special Relativity: mwu

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the vertical component of momentum in special relativity, specifically referencing figure 16.4 from the Feynman Lectures on Physics. The momentum is expressed as ∆p = mwu, where 'm' represents mass in the world component. Participants seek clarification on why the mass is taken from the world component rather than the u component, indicating a common confusion among newcomers to the topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of special relativity principles
  • Familiarity with momentum concepts in physics
  • Knowledge of the Feynman Lectures on Physics
  • Basic grasp of vector components in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of momentum in special relativity
  • Review figure 16.4 in the Feynman Lectures on Physics
  • Learn about world and u components in relativistic physics
  • Explore examples of momentum conservation in relativistic collisions
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching special relativity, and anyone interested in understanding momentum conservation in relativistic contexts.

Feynmanisthegoat
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1606329308989.png
the vertical component of momentum in the (b) figure before the collision is ∆p = mwu. Can someone please explain why we take the mass in the world component and not the u component
 

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I can't see anything there.
 
Ya man I am sorry this is my first post so I don't know what went wrong but it's figure 16.4 from the Feynman lectures on physics.
 
Feynmanisthegoat said:
Ya man I am sorry this is my first post so I don't know what went wrong but it's figure 16.4 from the Feynman lectures on physics.
You're better to find some way to post it here.
 

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