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.)
-(b) Two identical particles with equal speeds, one moving east and one moving west, collide. After the collision, the same particles move north and south, respectively, with the same speeds that they had originally.
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 this scenario, since the speeds of the particles remain the same and their directions change symmetrically, the magnitudes of their momenta are conserved, and thus the total momentum (and energy) of the system is conserved.

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

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