Momentum in the dynamics of variable-mass systems: Classical and relativistic case

Abstract

We discuss the role of a momentum vector in the description of dynamics of systems with variable mass, and show some ambiguity in expressing Newton’s 2nd law of dynamics in terms of momentum change in time for variable-mass systems. A simple expression that the time-derivative of the momentum of the body with variable mass is equal to the net external force is not always true (only if a special frame of reference is assumed). In basic textbooks and multiple lecture notes the correct equation of motion for a variable-mass system (including relative velocities of the masses entering or leaving the body) is not sufficiently discussed, leading to some problems with understanding the dynamics of these systems among students. We also show how the equation of motion in classical case (in translational motion) can be easily expanded to the relativistic case and discuss a motion of a relativistic rocket. It is of course true that most of the good literature treats the problem accurately, but some of the commonly used textbooks do not. The purpose of our letter is to pay attention to the problem of dynamics of variable-mass systems and show yet another perspective of the subject.