| 11. | In quantum theory the invariant mass is a parameter in the relativistic Dirac equation for an elementary particle.
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| 12. | The rest and invariant masses are the smallest possible value of the mass of the object or system.
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| 13. | Invariant mass thus functions for systems of particles in the same capacity as " rest mass " does for single particles.
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| 14. | The invariant mass of the system is also conserved, but does " not " change with different observers.
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| 15. | Non-covariance of the energy momentum four-vector implies non-invariance of its length, the invariant mass.
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| 16. | The total invariant mass is actually conserved, when the mass of the binding energy that has escaped, is taken into account.
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| 17. | Thus, unlike the invariant mass, the " relativistic mass " depends on the observer's frame of reference.
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| 18. | However, the invariant mass also represents the measured mass when the center of mass is at rest for systems of many particles.
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| 19. | These have parity invariant mass terms, and so Pauli Villars may be used to regulate the divergences and no parity anomaly arises.
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| 20. | However, it turns out that it is impossible to find an objective general definition for the concept of invariant mass in general relativity.
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