Weighing delta(E)=c^2 delta(m) on a relativistic high-sensitivity balance. Its mechanical and thermal equilibrium

Rothenstein, Bernhard; Popescu, Stefan; Spix, George J.

Weighing delta(E)=c^2 delta(m) on a relativistic high-sensitivity balance. Its mechanical and thermal equilibrium

Authors

Rothenstein, Bernhard

Popescu, Stefan

Spix, George J.

Description

We consider the sticky collision between two sphere of equal rest mass, moving with equal but opposite speeds in a horizontal plane. The collision takes place on the pan of a high sensitivity balance. The conditions of mechanical and thermal equilibrium are studied showing that heat developed in the rest frame of the system has a corresponding inertial mass.