The Paradox of the Force Accelerating an Extended Body in Relativity Theory
Keywords: hyperbolic motion, relativity theory, momentum conservation, energy conservation, extended body, relativistic dynamics
The question of the force (applied at a single point) required to accelerate an extended body in hyperbolic motion is considered in the light of relativity theory. Some previous approaches are discussed and found to express or lead to equivalent results. However, analysis of the problem using the respective requirements of momentum conservation and energy conservation leads to results that contradict the previous approaches as well as each other. No solution based on current concepts can be found, and it is suggested that physical theory will need modification.
