Relativistic Thermodynamics: A Modern 4-Vector Approach
Figure 1
An atom (A)—self-contained structure—is obtained from a nucleus (N), previously assembled from protons (p) and neutrons (n), and an ensemble of electrons (e). Nucleus inertia decreases respect the inertia of its elementary particle components , due to the energy released in its formation. Atom inertia decreases with respect to the inertia of its component nucleus and electrons due to the energy released in its formation.