4 Momentum and 4 velocity relationship

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The discussion centers on the relationship between momentum (P) and velocity (U) in the context of relativistic physics. The confusion arises from the distinction between relativistic momentum and Newtonian momentum, particularly regarding the equations P = (E/c, p) and P = m_0 U. It is clarified that the momentum p in the equation is indeed relativistic, represented as p = γmv, which resolves the initial confusion. The key takeaway is that while textbooks may present P = m_0 U, the correct interpretation involves recognizing the relativistic nature of momentum. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping the principles of relativistic mechanics.
bayners123
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<br /> P = \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

and

<br /> U = \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> \gamma c<br /> \\ \gamma \bar{v}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

right? But I frequently see in textbooks that P = m_0 U. Surely,
m_0 U = <br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> \gamma m_0 c<br /> \\ \gamma m_0 \bar{v}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br /> =<br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \gamma \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br /> \neq<br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

So how does this work?
Yours confusedly
 
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bayners123 said:
<br /> P = \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

and

<br /> U = \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> \gamma c<br /> \\ \gamma \bar{v}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

right? But I frequently see in textbooks that P = m_0 U. Surely,
m_0 U = <br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> \gamma m_0 c<br /> \\ \gamma m_0 \bar{v}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br /> =<br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \gamma \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br /> \neq<br /> \left( \begin{array}{c}<br /> E/c<br /> \\ \bar{p}<br /> \end{array}\right)<br />

So how does this work?
Yours confusedly

The p in (E/c,p) is three momentum but it is still relativistic three momentum not Newtonian 3-momentum. Thus p=γmv, and your confusion is resolved.
 
PAllen said:
The p in (E/c,p) is three momentum but it is still relativistic three momentum not Newtonian 3-momentum. Thus p=γmv, and your confusion is resolved.

Ah, thanks
 
MOVING CLOCKS In this section, we show that clocks moving at high speeds run slowly. We construct a clock, called a light clock, using a stick of proper lenght ##L_0##, and two mirrors. The two mirrors face each other, and a pulse of light bounces back and forth betweem them. Each time the light pulse strikes one of the mirrors, say the lower mirror, the clock is said to tick. Between successive ticks the light pulse travels a distance ##2L_0## in the proper reference of frame of the clock...

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