Interaction Energy how does it transform between inertial frames?

In summary, interaction energy is the mutual potential energy between two objects and it is not an invariant quantity between different frames of reference. The energy of a particle can vary between frames, but the interaction energy between objects can be calculated using the stress-energy-momentum tensor or by considering the particle as a composite system. The paper by T. Plakhotnik, "Explicit derivation of the relativistic mass-energy relation for internal kinetic and potential energies of a composite system," provides more information on this topic.
  • #1
Abu Abdallah
26
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Energy is not an invariant quantity between different frames of reference. For example a particle having a kinetic energy in one frame has a zero kinetic energy in another frame. But what about interaction energy? If I know the interaction energy between 2 particles in one frame, how can I calculate that energy in another one?
 
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  • #2
What is an interaction energy?
 
  • #3
Abu Abdallah said:
Energy is not an invariant quantity between different frames of reference. For example a particle having a kinetic energy in one frame has a zero kinetic energy in another frame. But what about interaction energy? If I know the interaction energy between 2 particles in one frame, how can I calculate that energy in another one?
By using the stress-energy-momentum tensor. If we're speaking classically then one must not allow the particle to be a point particle since then you run into infinite energy.
Ich said:
What is an interaction energy?
The mutual potential energy between to objects is a good example.

Pete
 
  • #4
interaction energy

Abu Abdallah said:
Energy is not an invariant quantity between different frames of reference. For example a particle having a kinetic energy in one frame has a zero kinetic energy in another frame. But what about interaction energy? If I know the interaction energy between 2 particles in one frame, how can I calculate that energy in another one?
Probably the paper
T. Plakhotnik "Explicit derivation of the relativistic mass-energy relation for internal kinetic and potential energies of a composite system," Eur.J.Phys. 27, 1-5 2006
could be usefull.
 

FAQ: Interaction Energy how does it transform between inertial frames?

What is interaction energy?

Interaction energy is the potential energy associated with the interaction between particles or objects. It is a measure of the energy required to bring two particles or objects together, or the energy released when they move apart.

How does interaction energy transform between inertial frames?

According to the principle of relativity, the laws of physics should be the same in all inertial frames. This means that the interaction energy should also be the same in all inertial frames. However, the expression for interaction energy may differ in different frames because of the different ways in which time and distance are measured.

What is the equation for interaction energy?

The equation for interaction energy depends on the type of interaction. For example, the interaction energy between two particles due to their gravitational attraction is given by the formula E = -Gm1m2/r, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the particles, and r is the distance between them.

How is interaction energy related to potential energy?

Interaction energy is a type of potential energy. It is the energy associated with the relative position of particles or objects, and it can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, when the particles or objects move. Potential energy is a more general term that encompasses all types of energy associated with the position or configuration of a system.

Is interaction energy a conserved quantity?

In most cases, interaction energy is not a conserved quantity. This means that it can change as particles or objects interact with each other. However, in some special cases, such as in a perfectly elastic collision, interaction energy may be conserved.

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