Herky-Jerky Box: Proof that momentum isn't conserved in Special Relativity

From Natural Philosophy Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Scientific Paper
Title Herky-Jerky Box: Proof that momentum isn\'t conserved in Special Relativity
Author(s) Michael H Brill
Keywords Special Relativity, momentum, conservation, paradox
Published 2010
Journal Physics Essays
Volume 23
Number 2
No. of pages 1
Pages TBD

Abstract

A one-dimensional box is posited with identical point masses synchronously and elastically hitting each other and opposite ends of the box. From a moving frame, Special-Relativistic kinematics says the center of mass CM of the box (exclusive of the point masses) moves uniformly, but momentum conservation says CM moves jerkily. Hence Special Relativity does not support momentum conservation.