Herky-Jerky Box: Proof that momentum isn't conserved in Special Relativity
Michael H. Brill
Keywords: Special Relativity, momentum, conservation, paradox
A one-dimensional box is posited with identical point masses synchronously and elastically hitting each other and opposite ends of the box. From a moving frame, Special-Relativistic kinematics says the center of mass CM of the box (exclusive of the point masses) moves uniformly, but momentum conservation says CM moves jerkily. Hence Special Relativity does not support momentum conservation.
