4 Momentum and 4 velocity relationship

In summary: So essentially, P and U are both relativistic 4-vectors, but P is the relativistic energy-momentum 4-vector while U is the relativistic velocity 4-vector. This explains why they cannot be directly equated and why m_0 U is not equal to P. In summary, P and U are both relativistic 4-vectors representing different quantities and cannot be directly equated.
  • #1
bayners123
31
0
[tex]
P = \left( \begin{array}{c}
E/c
\\ \bar{p}
\end{array}\right)
[/tex]

and

[tex]
U = \left( \begin{array}{c}
\gamma c
\\ \gamma \bar{v}
\end{array}\right)
[/tex]

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

So how does this work?
Yours confusedly
 
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  • #2
bayners123 said:
[tex]
P = \left( \begin{array}{c}
E/c
\\ \bar{p}
\end{array}\right)
[/tex]

and

[tex]
U = \left( \begin{array}{c}
\gamma c
\\ \gamma \bar{v}
\end{array}\right)
[/tex]

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

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.
 
  • #3
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
 

FAQ: 4 Momentum and 4 velocity relationship

What is momentum?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, specifically its mass and velocity. It is the product of an object's mass and its velocity.

How is momentum calculated?

Momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's mass (m) by its velocity (v). The formula for momentum is p = m * v.

What is the relationship between momentum and velocity?

The relationship between momentum and velocity is direct and proportional. This means that as an object's velocity increases, its momentum also increases. Similarly, as an object's velocity decreases, its momentum decreases.

How does momentum affect an object's motion?

According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, an object's momentum is directly related to the force acting on it. A change in an object's momentum will result in a change in its motion, either in speed or direction.

Can momentum be conserved?

Yes, according to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of a closed system remains constant. This means that in a closed system, the total initial momentum of all objects will be equal to the total final momentum of all objects, even if there are collisions or other interactions between the objects.

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