Relativity: Force and a Collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of relativistic physics to a collision scenario involving two clay balls merging into a single stationary mass. The equations presented, including ##\int Fdx = \int dE## and ##M = \frac{Fx + 2mc^2}{c^2}##, illustrate the relationship between force, energy, and mass. A critical point raised is the necessity of considering momentum conservation, which contradicts the assumption of the resulting particle being stationary. The misunderstanding of force as a result of mutual interaction is clarified, emphasizing the importance of momentum in collision analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of relativistic mass-energy equivalence (E=mc²)
  • Familiarity with conservation of momentum principles
  • Basic knowledge of calculus, particularly integrals
  • Concepts of kinetic and potential energy in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of momentum in collisions
  • Explore advanced topics in relativistic mechanics
  • Learn about energy transformations during inelastic collisions
  • Investigate the implications of stationary reference frames in physics
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of relativistic collisions and energy conservation principles.

Amrator
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Homework Statement
Two identical masses m are initially at rest, a distance x apart. A constant force F accelerates one of them toward the other until they collide and stick together. What is the mass of the resulting particle?
Relevant Equations
$$F = \gamma^3 ma$$
$$F = \frac{dE}{dx}$$
$$E = \gamma mc^2$$
$$P = \gamma mv$$
I don't know if I did this correctly.
##\int Fdx = \int dE##
##F \Delta x = \Delta E##
##Fx = Mc^2 - (mc^2 + mc^2)##
##M = \frac{Fx + 2mc^2}{c^2}##

##M## is the mass of the resulting particle. ##2mc^2## is the total energy before the collision. The issue is I'm assuming that the resulting particle is also stationary. I don't know this for sure though.
 
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It seems all right. Two clay balls collide to one big ball and stays still which has high temperature ,i.e. a lot of internal energy.

EDIT: I misunderstood the problem as the force comes from mutual interaction.
 
Last edited:
Amrator said:
The issue is I'm assuming that the resulting particle is also stationary. I don't know this for sure though.
It can't be stationary, as you must have conservation of momentum.
 
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