**This is a SPECIAL RELATIVITY QUESTION**
Say two balls of putty, moving relativistically, collide (although i understand this is not possible theoretically and realistically). They collide at a slight perpendicular displacement, instead of head-on, so that in the final state the stuck together system is rotating. Compared to the non-rotating head-on collision, how will this effect the final speed, and how will this effect the Mf' (final mass)? Imagine that you stop the lump from spinning, will its mass be great. less, or equal to Mf'?
Thank you so much!
Copyright © 2024 Q2A.ES - All rights reserved.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
This is actually a good example of why it is generally accepted among physicists that mass does not alter with relative velocity. Energy does. Momentum does, But not mass. If you can accept that, then I think you will see that your problem is not so difficult to resolve. You use the momentum of the particles in your calculations, not what used to be considered as 'relativistic mass'.
wtf? mass does not change, unless it is moving at the speed of light...i think....lol