The axiomatic definition of mass in classical mechanics, outlined by Mach in the second half of 19th century and improved by several authors, is simplified and extended to the theory of special relativity. According to the extended definition presented here, the mass of a relativistic particle is independent of its velocity and coincides with the rest mass, i.e. with the mass defined in classical mechanics. Then, force is defined as the product of mass and acceleration, both in the classical and in the relativistic framework.
E. Zanchini, A. Barletta (2008). A rigorous definition of mass in special relativity. IL NUOVO CIMENTO DELLA SOCIETÀ ITALIANA DI FISICA. B, GENERAL PHYSICS, RELATIVITY, ASTRONOMY AND MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS AND METHODS, 123 B, 153-160 [10.1393/ncb/i2008-10510-2].
A rigorous definition of mass in special relativity
ZANCHINI, ENZO;BARLETTA, ANTONIO
2008
Abstract
The axiomatic definition of mass in classical mechanics, outlined by Mach in the second half of 19th century and improved by several authors, is simplified and extended to the theory of special relativity. According to the extended definition presented here, the mass of a relativistic particle is independent of its velocity and coincides with the rest mass, i.e. with the mass defined in classical mechanics. Then, force is defined as the product of mass and acceleration, both in the classical and in the relativistic framework.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
