- #1
berlinspeed
- 26
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- Homework Statement
- Can someone explain why the squared length of p^2 = p dot p = -m^2 and not -m^2*c^2?
- Relevant Equations
- p^2 = p dot p = -m^2
Explained in statement.
berlinspeed said:Problem Statement: Can someone explain why the squared length of p^2 = p dot p = -m^2 and not -m^2*c^2?
Relevant Equations: p^2 = p dot p = -m^2
Explained in statement.
The squared length of 4-momentum g(p,p) is a mathematical quantity that measures the magnitude of a 4-momentum vector in special relativity. It is calculated by taking the dot product of the 4-momentum vector with itself.
In special relativity, the squared length of 4-momentum g(p,p) is equal to the square of the energy divided by the square of the speed of light. It is also equal to the square of the momentum divided by the square of the speed of light.
The squared length of 4-momentum g(p,p) is a fundamental quantity in particle physics, as it is used to calculate the invariant mass of particles. It is also used to determine the energy and momentum of particles in high-energy collisions.
The squared length of 4-momentum g(p,p) is invariant under Lorentz transformations, meaning that it has the same value in all inertial reference frames. This is a key concept in special relativity and is used to describe the behavior of particles at high speeds.
Yes, the squared length of 4-momentum g(p,p) can be negative in certain cases. This occurs when the 4-momentum vector is spacelike, meaning that it has a greater magnitude in space than in time. In contrast, a timelike 4-momentum vector will always have a positive squared length.