Phase space in special relativity

Logic Cloud
Messages
21
Reaction score
0
In classical mechanics we can get a nice overview of the dynamics of a system by looking at its position-momentum phase space. Is there a useful analogue of this concept in special relativity? Can the dynamics of a relativistic system be represented by its phase space in the same way as is done in classical mechanics?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Sure. For a single particle the phase space will be the 7-dimensional space of space-time coordinates and 4-momenta with the latter being restricted to the mass hyperboloid (the on-shell criterion). Using this we can do relativistic statistical mechanics in parallel with Newtonian statistical mechanics.
 
Thread 'Can this experiment break Lorentz symmetry?'

Thread 'Can this experiment break Lorentz symmetry?'

1. The Big Idea: According to Einstein’s relativity, all motion is relative. You can’t tell if you’re moving at a constant velocity without looking outside. But what if there is a universal “rest frame” (like the old idea of the “ether”)? This experiment tries to find out by looking for tiny, directional differences in how objects move inside a sealed box. 2. How It Works: The Two-Stage Process Imagine a perfectly isolated spacecraft (our lab) moving through space at some unknown speed V...
View full post »

Thread '1-Way Speed of Light'

Does the speed of light change in a gravitational field depending on whether the direction of travel is parallel to the field, or perpendicular to the field? And is it the same in both directions at each orientation? This question could be answered experimentally to some degree of accuracy. Experiment design: Place two identical clocks A and B on the circumference of a wheel at opposite ends of the diameter of length L. The wheel is positioned upright, i.e., perpendicular to the ground...
View full post »

Thread 'How can a black hole absorb matter?'

According to the General Theory of Relativity, time does not pass on a black hole, which means that processes they don't work either. As the object becomes heavier, the speed of matter falling on it for an observer on Earth will first increase, and then slow down, due to the effect of time dilation. And then it will stop altogether. As a result, we will not get a black hole, since the critical mass will not be reached. Although the object will continue to attract matter, it will not be a...
View full post »

Similar threads

Insights Addition of Velocities (Velocity Composition) in Special Relativity
Replies
3
Views
6K
I Robert B. Laughlin (Physics Nobel Laureate, Stanford University)
Replies
6
Views
1K
I Relativity: the Special and General theories
Replies
10
Views
2K
I Teaching Minkowski diagrams effectively
Replies
15
Views
2K
I Proof of Special Relativity w/ Michelson–Morley Experiment
Replies
20
Views
2K
I Clock Synchronisation -- Do clock speeds go out of synch?
2
Replies
59
Views
3K
I Why "time part" represents energy in Four-momentum?
Replies
6
Views
1K
I Is momentum conserved as a body falls through a gravitational field?
Replies
35
Views
3K
A How Does Quantum Theory Provide a Measure for Microstates in Phase Space?
Replies
7
Views
1K
A Relativistic Relative Velocity Comp.: Bini, D. et al. (1995)
Replies
9
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top