Energy conservation in Special Relativity

In summary, the conversation discusses the difference in mass of a dart as observed by a person on a moving train and an observer on the ground. The concept of relativistic mass is not used in physics, so the focus is on the change in energy of the dart. The calculations involve finding the final mass in each frame by considering the energy of the dart while resting and while moving towards the board. The conclusion is that the mass is always the same for all observers.
  • #1
AllRelative
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Homework Statement


A train is traveling in the x direction at a speed of v. On the train, a passenger is playing darts and fires a dart in the y direction with a speed of Uy. The dart hits the target and stops abruptly. What is the difference in the mass of the dart as observed by a person on the train versus an observer on the ground observing the dart as it hits the dart board?

E = γu * m*c^2
Kinetic energy= energy moving - energy at rest = γu*m*c^2 - m*c^2

Homework Equations


Is the initial mass of the dart (mass while flying) the same for the two observers?

The Attempt at a Solution


Let S be the reference frame of the observer on the ground.
S' is the reference frame of the observer in the train moving at v with the dart.

Since the total energy of the flying dart is the same as when it stops in a reference frame, we can find the final mass in each frames.

I get:
final mass in S = [1-(Uy^2 + v^2)/c^2]^-1/2 * initial mass in S

Final mass in s' = [1-Uy^2/c^2]^-1/2 * initial mass in S'

I'm not sure if we can say that Initial mass in S ans initial mass in S' is the same.

After that I guess I would get the answer by subtracting the final mass of S' with the final mass in S.
 
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  • #2
The mass is always the same for all observers because the concept of a relativistic (velocity-dependent) mass is not used in physics.
We can look at the change in energy. I don't understand your calculations.

What is the energy of a dart, resting in the frame of the train? What is its energy as seen from the train if it is moving slowly (!) towards the board? What is the difference?
You can repeat the same for the other observer.
 

Related to Energy conservation in Special Relativity

What is special relativity?

Special relativity is a theory developed by Albert Einstein that explains how objects behave at high velocities and in the absence of gravitational forces. It is based on the principle of the speed of light being constant and the idea that space and time are relative to the observer's frame of reference.

Why is energy conservation important in special relativity?

Energy conservation is important in special relativity because it is a fundamental principle in physics that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In special relativity, this principle is extended to include the conservation of energy in all reference frames, regardless of their relative velocities.

How does energy conservation work in special relativity?

In special relativity, energy conservation is described by the famous equation E=mc^2, which states that energy (E) is equal to the mass (m) of an object multiplied by the speed of light squared (c^2). This equation shows that mass and energy are equivalent and can be transformed into one another. Additionally, special relativity also takes into account the conservation of momentum, which is related to the conservation of energy through the equation E^2 = (mc^2)^2 + (pc)^2.

What are some real-world applications of energy conservation in special relativity?

Energy conservation in special relativity has many practical applications, such as in nuclear reactions and particle accelerators. It also plays a crucial role in the functioning of GPS systems, as the satellites must take into account the effects of special relativity on time and energy in order to accurately determine a receiver's position on Earth.

Are there any exceptions to the principle of energy conservation in special relativity?

While energy conservation is a fundamental principle in physics, it does not hold true in all situations in special relativity. For example, in the presence of strong gravitational fields, such as those near black holes, the conservation of energy can be violated due to the warping of space and time. However, these situations are extreme and do not affect the validity of energy conservation in most other cases.

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