Which of the following processes is consistent with the law of conservation of four-momentum? (Answer $\mathrm{C}$ if it is consistent with the law; $F$ if it violates it.)
-(a) A particle moving eastward collides with and sticks to an identical particle at rest. The resulting single particle remains at rest but is more massive than the sum of the original particles' masses.
A) C
B) $F$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The law of conservation of four-momentum states that the total four-momentum before a collision is equal to the total four-momentum after the collision. In the scenario described, the final single particle's mass increasing beyond the sum of the original particles' masses without any other particles or radiation carrying away the excess momentum violates the conservation of both energy and momentum.

Which of the Following Processes Is Consistent with the Law C\mathrm{C}C

Which of the Following Processes Is Consistent with the Law $\mathrm{C}$